Optomechanical Design Engineer
Quick Summary
Location: Ottawa, ON (on-site)Employment type: Full-time permanentSalary range: $75,000 – $145,000 CAD per year, commensurate with experience About Q-Block Computing: Q-Block Computing builds quantum systems that operate in the real world.
Design precision optomechanical mounts, flexure assemblies, lens housings, and beam path structures that maintain sub-micron and sub-millirad alignment stability under thermal and vibration loads.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field. 4+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, with at least 2 years involving optomechanical system design, precision instrument…
About the Role
~2 min read- Design precision optomechanical mounts, flexure assemblies, lens housings, and beam path structures that maintain sub-micron and sub-millirad alignment stability under thermal and vibration loads.
- Design enclosures and packaging for quantum hardware modules, balancing optical access, thermal dissipation, electromagnetic shielding, weight, and serviceability.
- Develop 3D CAD models and assembly layouts of complete hardware modules integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems in SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent.
- Conduct thermal analysis (conduction, convection, radiation) of enclosed optical-electronic assemblies using ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks Thermal, or equivalent; design thermal management solutions including heat sinks, TEC interfaces, and airflow paths.
- Perform tolerance stack-up analysis for optical assemblies; ensure alignment budgets are achievable given manufacturing tolerances, thermal drift, and vibration inputs.
- Assess mechanical designs against environmental qualification requirements (MIL-STD-810 shock, vibration, temperature; MIL-STD-461 EMC shielding) and recommend design modifications to meet defence-grade standards.
- Generate manufacturing-ready drawings with complete GD&T, material specifications, surface finish callouts, and assembly instructions.
- Coordinate with CNC machinists, sheet metal fabricators, and external manufacturing vendors on DFM reviews, first-article inspection, and production support.
- Support optical assembly and integration activities; design alignment fixtures, handling tools, and assembly jigs that enable repeatable assembly by technicians.
- Collaborate with the Systems Engineer on interface control documents and mechanical interface definitions.
- Manage a structured CAD library with revision control, BOM management, and controlled drawing release processes.
- Collaborate across optics, electronics, firmware, and systems teams; contribute to a culture of rigorous engineering practice and honest technical discussion.
Requirements
~1 min read- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field.
- 4+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, with at least 2 years involving optomechanical system design, precision instrument packaging, or electro-optical hardware.
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred; Inventor, Creo, or equivalent acceptable); demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through detailed drawing release.
- Hands-on understanding of optomechanical design principles: kinematic mounting, flexure design, athermal compensation, stray light baffling, and vibration isolation.
- Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis for precision assemblies.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes: CNC milling, CNC turning, wire EDM, sheet metal fabrication, anodizing, and precision grinding; ability to design parts that are cost-effective to manufacture.
Requirements
~1 min read- Proficiency in thermal simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks Simulation) for predicting thermal distortion and designing thermal management solutions.
- Experience with structural simulation (modal, random vibration, shock response) for precision assemblies.
- Deep experience with materials selection for optical and defence applications: aluminum alloys (6061, 7075), stainless steels, titanium, Invar, machinable ceramics, and engineering plastics.
- Familiarity with environmental qualification standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) and designing hardware for shock, vibration, thermal cycling, humidity, and altitude.
- Experience in photonics, laser systems, scientific instrumentation, defence hardware, or aerospace packaging.
- Exposure to athermalized optical assemblies, bonded optical elements, or vacuum-compatible mechanical design.
- Experience transitioning laboratory prototypes to manufacturable, field-deployable product.
Requirements
~1 min read- 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.
- Must be willing to participate in background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security-sensitive work.
- Experience working in regulated, security-sensitive, or defence-oriented engineering environments is an asset.
- Strong attention to detail, authenticity, and a sense of responsibility in all tasks.
- Critical thinking and a problem-solving mindset grounded in measurement and evidence.
- Clear written and verbal communication; ability to produce design documentation that holds up under rigorous review.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
What We Offer
~1 min readQ-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity. Accommodations are available on request during the application and recruiting process.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- Posted
- April 15, 2026
- First seen
- May 8, 2026
- Last seen
- May 8, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 15%
- Scored at
- May 8, 2026
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