Lab Electronics Technician; Waterloo

Primary Purpose

The Institute for Quantum Computing’s Technology Services (TS) team supports researchers who conduct leading‑edge work in quantum information. TS offers a broad spectrum of services—including electronic and mechanical prototype fabrication, computing support, visual technologies, 3‑D printing, a general‑chemistry laboratory, and a robust digital infrastructure for data management and software tools. To facilitate access, TS maintains and supervises a fully equipped lab space for IQC investigators.

As an integral part of IQC, the TS team’s in‑house expertise enables rapid design and fabrication of research prototypes while creating new shared capabilities and enhancing existing ones across the research environment.

The Lab Electronics Technician supports hands‑on prototype fabrication, operates and maintains the lab’s equipment, and provides technical guidance to IQC researchers—facilitating rapid research prototyping and dependable operation of the IQC Technology Services Lab.

• Serve as the daily technical resource in the TS lab, guiding researchers on safe and effective use of tools and space; provide on‑site assistance with design, assembly, and troubleshooting of prototype electronics.
• Build, assemble, and package enclosures and shielding using hand tools; demonstrate strong mechanical dexterity; assist in constructing custom‑built computer and instrumentation hardware for research projects.
• Test and troubleshoot analog and digital research instruments; record results and flag issues for senior staff; perform basic electrical safety checks and documentation for equipment certification.
• Draft and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab equipment; ensure clarity and consistency; identify improvement opportunities and report them to the team.
• Maintain inventory and perform monthly safety inspections with the Senior Electronics Technician (SET); ensure daily cleanliness and order; adhere to all university health and safety policies.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Associate Director or SET.

Minimum 2‑year diploma from an accredited Electronics Engineering/Technology or Electronics Technician program.

1 year of experience as an Electronics Technician.

Proven ability to design and work with analog and digital electronics.

Proficiency with industry‑related measurement instruments.

Familiarity with hardware design procedures and specialized software tools for digital electronics.

• Basic Electronics Design – capture simple schematics, run basic simulations, and create preliminary PCB layouts.
• Instrument Interface Basics – understand computer‑to‑measurement‑device connections (USB, GPIB, Ethernet).
• Problem‑Solving & Analysis – organize tasks, troubleshoot issues, and analyze data to identify root causes.
• Circuit Fundamentals – work with low‑to-mid‑speed digital logic and straightforward analog blocks.
• Hardware Implementation – assemble and test small electronic systems from schematics to prototypes.
• PCB Work – design, review, and solder PCBs; perform component placement and inspection.
• Prototyping – build and test prototypes; document performance and required changes.
• CSA/Evaluation Support – assist with basic electrical safety checks and documentation for equipment certification.
• Hands‑On Troubleshooting – diagnose and fix problems in electronic and mechanical assemblies.
• Time Management – prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while juggling multiple assignments.
• Team & Independent Work – collaborate with peers and work autonomously; proactively suggest process improvements.
• Communication – clearly explain technical concepts to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• General office tools – basic proficiency in using Microsoft Office (M365); quick learner of new software.

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the…