Q-Block Computing

Q-Block Computing

Embedded Systems Developer Intern

Ottawa, ON · Intern · Internship

No sponsorship$35k-$40kDetected 15 days ago
C++GitCybersecurityPCB DesignAltiumKiCadFPGAVHDLVerilogEmbedded SystemsElectrical EngineeringSignal ProcessingResearchCommunicationProblem SolvingMentoring

About the role

  • The Embedded Systems Developer Intern will work alongside Q-Block's firmware and hardware engineers on the real-time control and data-acquisition electronics that sit at the heart of the company's quantum platforms.
  • Assist with peripheral integration, sensor interfacing, and communication protocol implementation (SPI, I2C, UART, and related interfaces).
  • Participate in system testing, debugging, and performance optimization.

Responsibilities

  • The role is hands-on: you will write firmware, bring up boards, design and test small circuits, and see your work exercised on real hardware.
  • This is a co-op designed to build real depth, not to observe from the sidelines.
  • Design and develop embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems supporting Q-Block's quantum hardware programs.
  • Contribute to digital logic and FPGA work in support of signal processing, control, and data acquisition.
  • Support PCB bring-up, debug, and basic circuit characterization.
  • Collaborate with engineering and scientific teams to integrate embedded solutions with quantum hardware.
  • Document design decisions, code, and testing procedures following team practices.
  • Support laboratory setup and maintenance of embedded testing equipment.
  • you will write firmware, bring up boards, design and test small circuits, and see your work exercised on real hardware.
  • The company develops quantum timing, quantum-secure communications, and quantum computing platforms engineered for the performance, reliability, and environmental resilience that mission-critical applications demand - systems designed to be deployed, maintained, and trusted by operators who cannot afford ambiguity about whether the technology works.

Requirements

  • Academic or project experience with embedded electronics and microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, PIC, Teensy, or comparable platforms).
  • Working proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with at least one of the standard embedded communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART).
  • Required qualifications Currently enrolled in an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related undergraduate program.

Nice to have

  • Exposure to FPGA development and HDL (VHDL or Verilog) through coursework or projects.
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal real-time concepts.
  • Experience with development environments such as STM32CubeIDE, PlatformIO, Keil, IAR, or Xilinx/Intel FPGA tools.
  • Familiarity with version control (Git) and structured development practices.
  • Practical experience with laboratory instruments - oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, signal generators.
  • Previous co-op or internship experience in embedded systems, electronics, or scientific instrumentation.
  • Security and compliance requirements Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, if required for assigned projects.
  • Must be eligible to comply with requirements of the Controlled Goods Program, if required for assigned projects.

Compensation

  • $18 - $25 CAD per hour, based on academic level and relevant experience About Q-Block Computing: Q-Block Computing builds quantum systems that operate in the real world.

Benefits

  • The long-term vision is deeper than any single platform.
  • Contribute to a culture of craftsmanship, learning, and honest technical discussion.

Equal opportunity

  • Q-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering inclusion and respect.
  • Accommodations are available on request during the application and interview process.
  • All interested students meeting the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Security and compliance requirements Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, if required for assigned projects
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This listing is sourced directly from Q-Block Computing's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.