Facility Security Guard

Location: 20 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 7M6 (on-site)
Employment type: Full-time
Salary range: $48,000 – $62,000 CAD per year
Vacancy disclosure: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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

The Facility Security Guard protects the people, research environments, and sensitive equipment behind Q-Block's quantum technology platforms. Employed directly by Q-Block as part of its in-house team, the role manages access to the Ottawa facility, monitors security systems, conducts patrols, and responds to incidents with sound judgment and clear documentation. Done well, it creates a secure, well-run environment in which scientists, engineers, and partners can concentrate on demanding work with confidence.

The successful candidate is observant, dependable, and composed — someone who notices small irregularities, follows procedures without becoming complacent, and treats employees, visitors, and contractors with courtesy while remaining firm about security requirements. This is a role for someone who takes pride in prevention, understands the importance of discretion, and approaches day-to-day security with consistency and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Control access to the Ottawa facility, including verifying identification and visit authorization, maintaining visitor and contractor logs, issuing and retrieving temporary access credentials, and arranging or providing escorts as required.
• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled patrols of authorized interior and exterior areas, checking access points, laboratories, storage areas, and emergency exits for security concerns and safety hazards.
• Monitor CCTV, intrusion detection, access control, and alarm systems; assess alerts and respond according to established procedures and escalation protocols.
• Apply site-specific access restrictions for laboratories, sensitive equipment, confidential materials, and designated controlled areas; promptly report unauthorized access attempts and procedural violations.
• Perform opening, closing, and lock-up checks as assigned, including confirming that designated areas are secured and alarm systems are set appropriately.
• Observe and report facility issues that could affect safety or research continuity, including water leaks, power interruptions, and environmental alarms; notify qualified personnel rather than intervene in unfamiliar equipment or hazardous areas.
• Verify delivery and collection authorization, maintain required records, and coordinate secure handoffs of equipment and materials with authorized employees.
• Respond to security incidents, medical emergencies, and fire alarms within the limits of training and assigned authority; contact emergency services, provide first aid as appropriate, and support evacuation procedures.
• Use professional communication and de-escalation techniques to address access disputes, disruptive behaviour, and other concerns while prioritizing safety.
• Prepare accurate, objective, and timely incident reports, patrol records, daily activity logs, and handover notes; protect security records and relevant evidence in accordance with company procedures.
• Support security arrangements for partner visits, government meetings, contractor activities, and company events at the facility.
• Follow physical security procedures supporting government contracts and the Controlled Goods Program, where applicable to assigned duties and subject to required training and authorization.
• Identify security vulnerabilities, equipment deficiencies, and procedural gaps; recommend practical improvements to the appropriate company contact.
• Handle access credentials, surveillance information, visitor records, and other confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Contribute to a culture of ownership, clarity, and high standards across the security and operational rhythm of the company.

Required qualifications

• Valid Ontario Security Guard Licence, maintained in good standing throughout employment.
• Current Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED certification, or a higher-level equivalent appropriate to the role.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience in a security guard, access control, site protection, or related protective services role; an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience will also be considered.
• Strong observational skills, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures consistently with minimal supervision.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to prepare factual incident reports and communicate effectively during emergencies.
• Comfort using electronic access control, CCTV, alarm monitoring, and digital reporting systems, with a willingness to learn new platforms.
• Ability to carry out the essential duties of the role, including patrols and periods of standing or walking, with reasonable accommodation where required.
• Professional demeanour when interacting with employees, government representatives, industry partners, visitors, and contractors.
• Legal entitlement to work in Canada.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience providing physical security in a research laboratory, advanced manufacturing facility, technology company, data centre, government facility, or other security-sensitive environment.
• Current or previous Government of Canada security clearance.
• Familiarity with the federal Contract Security Program, or comparable regulated-site security procedures, such as NIST 800-53.
• Experience with visitor management, access credential administration, and incident reporting platforms.
• Training in conflict de-escalation, emergency preparedness, fire safety, or workplace hazard awareness, including WHMIS.
• Experience supporting emergency drills, evacuations, and coordination with first responders.
• French language proficiency.

Security and compliance requirements

• Must maintain a valid Ontario Security Guard Licence and carry and present it as required while on duty.
• Must comply with applicable Ontario requirements for security guard identification, uniforms, conduct, and lawful performance of duties.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, if required for assigned duties.
• Must be willing to participate in lawful, role-related background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security-sensitive work.
• Must complete required site-specific security, emergency response, privacy, and safety training and follow procedures governing access to sensitive areas and information.

Personal attributes

• Vigilant and detail-oriented; notices irregularities and follows through rather than assuming someone else will address them.
• Calm under pressure; responds proportionately, communicates clearly, and knows when to seek assistance.
• Reliable and punctual; understands the importance of consistent coverage and clear handovers.
• Courteous and approachable, while remaining confident and consistent in enforcing procedures.
• Discreet and trustworthy in handling sensitive information, access permissions, and security observations.
• Accountable and improvement-minded; raises concerns early and takes pride in maintaining a secure, professional environment.

Benefits

• Extended health care, including dental and vision
• Life insurance

Recruitment and AI disclosure

Q-Block Computing uses artificial intelligence (AI) solely to summarize application materials and candidate profiles during the initial screening stage. Human reviewers review the original application documents and are involved in every screening and selection decision. All hiring decisions, including the final hiring decision, are made by human reviewers; AI does not make hiring decisions.

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.

All qualified candidates legally entitled to work in Canada are encouraged to apply. Any security screening or access eligibility requirements will be assessed in relation to the duties of the position.