The posting
Location: Ottawa, ON (on-site) Employment type: Full-time permanent Salary range: $80,000 – $120,000 CAD per year
About Q-Block Computing: Q-Block Computing builds quantum systems that operate in the real world. 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.
The long-term vision is deeper than any single platform. Q-Block is pursuing a mission to decode Nature's foundational model — to build instruments of sufficient precision and coherence that they become tools for understanding the physical universe at its most fundamental level. Commercialization and science reinforce each other by design.
About this role: Q-Block Computing is building out a 30,000 sq. ft. advanced laboratory in Ottawa and needs a Facility Manager who can lead the physical buildout and, once the facility is operational, take long-term ownership of the building. This is a hands-on role, not a desk job. The work combines direct construction and maintenance effort with subcontractor coordination for large-scale or specialized scopes, and requires someone with the practical judgment to know what to self-perform, what to hand off, and what to split.
The successful candidate is a multi-trade builder and operator who wants a stable, permanent position with a company doing meaningful work. They can swing a hammer, wire a panel, direct a drywall crew, evaluate a mechanical contractor's quote, and keep a building running after the crews leave — and they take pride in doing all of it well. The role reports directly into senior leadership.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on construction and maintenance work within your competence, including framing, drywall installation and finishing, painting, fixture and equipment mounting, cable routing, light carpentry, and general site work.
- Carry out electrical rough-in, wiring, device installation, conduit work, and related tasks where you hold the appropriate trade qualifications.
- Carry out basic plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC-related tasks where you hold the appropriate qualifications or where the scope falls within general maintenance.
- Hire, direct, and supervise independent contractors and specialty trades for large-scale or specialized scopes, including major drywall campaigns, service entrance upgrades, HVAC equipment installation, fire protection, and other regulated work.
- Decide what gets self-performed, what gets subcontracted, and what gets split — and be accountable for the quality, schedule, and cost of both.
- Scope jobs, solicit quotes, evaluate contractors, and manage subcontractor performance on site.
- Sequence and prioritize buildout stages in coordination with leadership to support laboratory, workshop, office, and infrastructure needs on schedule.
- Procure materials, tools, consumables, and subcontractor services; manage site inventory and control costs against approved budgets.
- Support the installation and reconfiguration of laboratory infrastructure, including optical tables, benches, cable trays, utility drops, partitions, equipment pads, and related building services.
- Help plan electrical distribution, lighting layouts, compressed gas routing, shop utility requirements, and general building infrastructure to support an advanced R&D environment.
- Coordinate permits, inspections, and code compliance as required for renovation and new installation work.
- Maintain organized records of building systems, as-built drawings, contractor work, equipment manuals, warranties, and inspection history.
- Transition into ongoing building operations and maintenance once the initial construction phase is complete, including preventive maintenance, repairs, facility improvements, and vendor management.
- Respond to day-to-day facility issues and keep the building safe, functional, clean, and ready to support advanced laboratory and workshop operations.
- Contribute to a culture of ownership, practicality, and high standards across the team.
Required qualifications
- Journeyperson certification, Red Seal trade qualification, or equivalent substantial hands-on experience in one or more of: electrical, carpentry, general construction, or building maintenance.
- 5+ years of practical experience in commercial construction, building maintenance, renovation, or multi-trade work environments.
- Demonstrated experience both performing hands-on work and directing subcontractors on active job sites.
- Ability to read construction drawings, sketches, equipment manuals, site plans, and contractor quotations.
- Strong subcontractor management skills: able to hire, direct, hold accountable, and, when necessary, replace independent contractors and trades.
- Comfortable working with hand and power tools, ladders, lifts, and standard construction and maintenance equipment.
- Practical, resourceful, and self-directed; able to solve problems on the spot without waiting for instructions.
Preferred qualifications
- Valid 309A/309C Electrician — Construction and Maintenance Certificate of Qualification (major asset).
- Valid G2 or G1 Gas Technician certificate (major asset).
- Experience in industrial, laboratory, manufacturing, technical, or commercial buildings.
- Experience with owner-managed buildings, small companies, workshops, labs, or custom-built technical spaces.
- Familiarity with laboratory-grade building services: clean power distribution, grounding and bonding practices, compressed gas systems, HVAC precision control, chilled water, or vibration-isolated foundations.
- Working knowledge of Ontario Building Code, Ontario Electrical Safety Code, and standard permitting and inspection workflows.
- Experience coordinating with fire protection, life safety, and building automation contractors.
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.
- Must be willing to participate in background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security-sensitive work.
Personal attributes
- Strong practical ability across multiple construction trades, with the confidence and competence to do real work rather than only supervise others.
- Good organizational skills; able to keep many things moving at once across construction, maintenance, and day-to-day facility needs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
- Clear, direct communication with leadership, contractors, and inspectors alike.
Benefits
- Extended health care (including dental and vision)
- Life insurance
Equal opportunity
Q-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.
