We’re hiring: Junior Technician / Mechanical Designer for Cryogenics and Quantum Sensing Development
Location: Montreal, QC — in person
Type: Full-time; internship/co-op-to-permanent, or permanent role
Start Date: Summer 2026 (start ASAP)
Experience Level: Junior / Early-career
About t0.technology
t0.technology Inc. is a small Canadian R&D company building superconducting detector systems, microwave readout electronics, radio astronomy and radar systems, and scientific instrumentation for astrophysics, industrial sensing, and government research. We collaborate directly with astronomers, universities, and government agencies, designing technologies that support open scientific research and next-generation observatories.
We design, assemble, test, and debug real instruments: cryostats, superconducting quantum sensors, RF electronics, antenna hardware, and large-scale experimental systems. We also field-test our instruments and work closely with academic teams in Canada and abroad. We’re a tight-knit, hands-on team, not a corporate environment. Everyone contributes across disciplines.
This role is for someone early in their career who is mechanically capable, careful with hardware, strong in CAD, and excited to learn how advanced scientific instruments are built.
About the position
This is a junior hands-on role in a small R&D lab where mechanical design, mechanical construction, delicate assembly, experimental measurement, and practical problem-solving meet.
You will work directly with scientists, engineers, and instrument builders on cryogenic detector systems, microwave readout setups, radio astronomy and radar test equipment, antenna hardware, and custom mechanical assemblies. Some procedures are established; others are still evolving. The job is partly about learning how our systems are built today, and partly about making the next build cleaner, better documented, easier to assemble, and more robust.
Prior experience with cryogenics or superconducting detectors is not required. We will teach those procedures. We are looking for someone careful, mechanically intuitive, comfortable with CAD and fabricated parts, and able to learn precise lab workflows.
This is also not a narrow production technician position or a desk-only CAD position. It is a build-real-hardware role for someone who likes working with their hands, thinking mechanically, and seeing their designs become physical systems used in advanced research.
Responsibilities
Design and modify mechanical parts in CAD.
Build detailed test fixtures and mechanical assemblies.
Prepare parts for machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, or vendor fabrication.
Build and test enclosures, racks, fixtures, antenna mounts, and lab hardware.
Prepare, open, inspect, and close cryogenic detector systems.
Mount detector chips, sample holders, packages, and cryostat hardware.
Learn and perform wire-bonding and delicate clean-room assembly procedures.
Route RF, DC, thermal, and sensor wiring inside lab systems.
Connect microwave readout chains and take detector measurements.
Document procedures, configurations, parts, test results, and lessons learned.
Most of our parts are fabricated off-site, but hands-on machining experience is valuable, and we do occasionally fabricate our own parts.
Profile
This could be a strong fit for someone with this background:
3-year DEC in Mechanical Engineering Technology;
Mechanical design / design automation experience;
Mechanical engineering co-op undergraduate programs;
Electrical or instrumentation technology programs with strong hands-on skills;
Participated in robotics, rocketry, Baja, Formula, aero design, underwater vehicle, or other hardware competitions, clubs, and teams.
You do not need a graduate degree or prior cryogenic experience. We are more interested in whether you can design practical parts, build carefully, learn quickly, and take responsibility for real hardware.
Required skills
An ideal candidate should have:
The ability to design, build and test mechanical and/or electrical systems.
Strong CAD experience, especially with assemblies and practical mechanical parts.
Familiarity with fabrication methods such as machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, laser cutting, or waterjet.
Ability to read and create mechanical drawings.
Comfort using hand tools and working with small parts.
Good mechanical intuition and spatial reasoning.
Patience for precise, procedure-driven assembly work.
Clear documentation habits.
Willingness to learn unfamiliar scientific systems.
Good judgment around fragile or expensive equipment.
Useful assets
Machining, CNC, manual mill/lathe, or shop experience.
Basic programming or experience with lab test and measurement equipment.
Electronics assembly experience.
Thermal testing or heat-transfer experience.
Experience designing racks, enclosures, field hardware, antenna mounts, or test fixtures.
Interest in astronomy, quantum sensors, radar, space systems, or scientific instrumentation.
Vacuum, cryogenic, cleanroom, optics, or microfabrication experience.
English and French communication skills.
Compensation
Compensation will depend on experience and whether the role is structured as a summer internship, co-op placement, or permanent junior role.
Permanent positions include a comprehensive benefits package with RRSP matching and health insurance.
Hiring Process
Introductory conversation.
In-depth discussion of previous CAD, fabrication, lab, competition, or build experience.
Practical working interview or short in-lab exercise.
Reference check.
To Apply
Send a CV and a short note about your fit for the role (300 words max) to careers@t0.technology with “Junior Technician” in the subject. In your note, tell us about one thing you have designed, built, repaired, machined, assembled, and/or tested as well as your earliest possible start date. CAD screenshots, project links/photos, or portfolios are strongly encouraged.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with preference for late May / early June start dates. This posting remains open until filled.
For all inquiries about this role, please reach out to us at the email above.
