{"id":1705738,"url":"https://alion.io/job/q-block-embedded-systems-developer-intern","title":"Embedded Systems Developer Intern","company":{"id":2504443,"name":"Q Block","domain":"q-block.ca","url":"https://alion.io/company/q-block","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Breezy","truth_index":{"grade":"D","score":40,"open_postings":21,"ghost_share":1,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-10-08T05:49:30Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"intern","employment_type":"internship","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Ottawa, Canada"],"countries":["CA"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":18,"max":25,"currency":"CAD","period":"hour","gross":null,"usd_annual":36000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Git","optional":true},{"name":"GitHub","optional":true},{"name":"KiCad","optional":true},{"name":"RTOS","optional":true},{"name":"Verilog","optional":true},{"name":"VHDL","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-07-06T16:28:55Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-07-06","last_verified_at":"2026-10-09T00:53:42Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":94,"trust":{"level":"ghost","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale","company_stale"],"days_open":93},"description":"Location: Ottawa, ON (on-site)\nEmployment type: Co-op / Internship\nDuration: 4-8 months (flexible based on academic program requirements)\nHours: 35-40 hours per week\nSalary range: $18 - $25 CAD per hour, based on academic level and relevant experience\nAbout 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.\nThe 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.\nAbout this 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. 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.\nThe successful candidate is a motivated engineering student with solid embedded fundamentals, genuine curiosity about the hardware-firmware boundary, and the discipline to document work carefully as they go. This is a co-op designed to build real depth, not to observe from the sidelines.\nResponsibilities\nDesign and develop embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems supporting Q-Block's quantum hardware programs.\nContribute to digital logic and FPGA work in support of signal processing, control, and data acquisition.\nAssist with peripheral integration, sensor interfacing, and communication protocol implementation (SPI, I2C, UART, and related interfaces).\nSupport PCB bring-up, debug, and basic circuit characterization.\nCollaborate with engineering and scientific teams to integrate embedded solutions with quantum hardware.\nParticipate in system testing, debugging, and performance optimization.\nDocument design decisions, code, and testing procedures following team practices.\nSupport laboratory setup and maintenance of embedded testing equipment.\nContribute to technical notes and progress presentations.\nContribute to a culture of craftsmanship, learning, and honest technical discussion.\nRequired qualifications\nCurrently enrolled in an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related undergraduate program.\nMinimum completion of 2nd year coursework (60+ credit hours) at the start of the work term.\nAcademic or project experience with embedded electronics and microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, PIC, Teensy, or comparable platforms).\nWorking proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded systems.\nFamiliarity with at least one of the standard embedded communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART).\nBasic understanding of digital logic and circuit analysis.\nPreferred qualifications\nExposure to FPGA development and HDL (VHDL or Verilog) through coursework or projects.\nFamiliarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal real-time concepts.\nExperience with development environments such as STM32CubeIDE, PlatformIO, Keil, IAR, or Xilinx/Intel FPGA tools.\nFamiliarity with version control (Git) and structured development practices.\nPractical experience with laboratory instruments - oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, signal generators.\nExposure to PCB design tools (KiCad, Altium, or equivalent).\nPrevious co-op or internship experience in embedded systems, electronics, or scientific instrumentation.\nPortfolio of embedded projects (GitHub repositories, project reports, or demonstrable builds).\nSecurity and compliance requirements\nMust be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, if required for assigned projects.\nMust be eligible to comply with requirements of the Controlled Goods Program, if required for assigned projects.\nMust be willing to participate in background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security-sensitive work.\nDue to the nature of Q-Block's research and government-facing work, preference may be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.\nSkills and attributes\nStrong analytical and problem-solving ability.\nAttention to detail and a commitment to quality in technical work.\nClear written and verbal communication; able to present technical work and accept feedback constructively.\nAbility to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced R&D environment.\nSelf-motivated, with good judgment about when to work independently and when to seek guidance.\nWhat you will gain\nDirect mentorship from senior embedded and systems engineers.\nHands-on experience at the boundary between firmware and hardware in a real engineering environment.\nExposure to the full arc from code to bench-verified hardware behaviour.\nProfessional development, networking within the quantum and deep-tech community, and potential consideration for future co-op terms or full-time employment.\nBenefits\nCompetitive hourly compensation based on academic level and experience\nExtended health care (including dental and vision)\nLife insurance\nFlexible scheduling where compatible with academic calendar requirements\nApplication requirements\nResume highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and technical skills.\nBrief cover letter describing your interest in embedded systems and quantum technology.\nAcademic transcript (unofficial acceptable for initial application).\nPortfolio of relevant projects (GitHub links, project reports, or technical demonstrations welcomed).\nEqual Opportunity\nQ-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering inclusion and respect. Accommodations are available on request during the application and interview process. 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