Job Description

Job Advert

ETL Systems Ltd

ETL Systems has been at the forefront of RF design and manufacturing for over 35 years. It designs and builds essential elements of critical satellite communications infrastructure. Its culture of innovation and solution-oriented approach has established it as a market leader in the field, with revenue growing 30x since 2003. In 2020, ETL Systems received significant investment from CBPE Capital, enabling the management team to drive its ambitious growth plan forward.


ETL's rapid growth and success have been recognised at the UK's highest level, winning three Queen's Awards for Enterprise in International Trade. As a testament to that success, the top 20 satellite operators and teleports utilise ETL's products. Around the world, 75% of NATO governments use ETL Systems equipment to protect their citizens.


Today, the company offers a full suite of solutions between the antenna and the modem for both the uplink and downlink chains. ETL recently acquired Spacepath Communications to integrate SpacePath's HPA product line into its portfolio. This position positions ETL to meet the evolving needs of our customers better and expand ETL's reach within the SATCOM market.

ETL People benefits

25 days' holidays plus UK bank holidays Buy and sell holiday scheme Long service holiday accrual Enhanced pension plan Life assurance Annual salary review Career development and training for all roles Free employee refreshments Casual business dress Annual company events Employee kudos awards ETL employee wellbeing support (free annual flu vaccination, free eye tests, free employee assistance programme, Free GP Access) Employee referral bonus Free onsite parking EV charging is available on-site Cycle to work scheme Green travel scheme

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly experienced

Principal RF Engineer

to join our advanced Research & Development team in Rickmansworth, North London. This is a critical role within ETL Systems, where you will lead the design, development, and implementation of complex RF and mmWave systems that underpin next-generation satellite communication technologies. Operating at the forefront of innovation, you will be instrumental in delivering high-performance RF sub-systems from initial concept through to production, ensuring that our solutions meet the rigorous demands of global connectivity.


As a Principal RF Engineer, you will work onsite in our state-of-the-art R&D Lab, collaborating closely with a dynamic team of RF specialists and multidisciplinary engineers. This hands-on environment offers the opportunity to engage in practical design, rapid prototyping, and precision testing using world-class equipment. Your expertise will drive projects that span Q and V band frequencies, enabling ETL Systems to remain a leader in high-capacity satellite communications.


This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives on technical challenges, values innovation, and enjoys mentoring others. You will report directly to the RF Team Lead and play a key role in shaping the future of RF technology within our organisation.

Key Accountabilities

System Design:

Lead the end-to-end design process for RF systems, including simulation, schematic capture, and PCB layout. Ensure designs meet stringent performance and reliability standards for Q&V band applications.

Testing and Tuning:

Conduct comprehensive lab-based testing and tuning of RF circuits and modules to achieve optimal performance. Utilize advanced measurement techniques to validate system integrity.

Team Support:

Act as a technical mentor to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Share knowledge and best practices to strengthen team capability.

Project Execution:

Drive the successful execution of large-scale projects by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including PCB design, mechanical engineering, analog, DSP, firmware, and software specialists.

Prototype Development:

Rapidly build and evaluate radio system prototypes using both custom-designed and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Translate concepts into functional hardware efficiently.

Verification and Validation:

Define and implement rigorous test plans and design verification strategies to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards.

Our ideal candidate:

Our ideal candidate will be a hands-on professional who will spend most of their time in the lab developing new technologies and supporting the next generation of up-and-coming RF professionals.

Essential requirements:

Extensive knowledge of developing Q&V Band Products within a commercial environment. BEng/MEng or MSc in RF/Electronics/Opto-Electronics or similar discipline. Proven track record in RF system design and analysis, including frequency planning, and transceiver architectures. Proficiency in EM modelling techniques and tools, understanding of RF components, and experience with test instrumentation and calibration techniques.

Location:

This role will be site-based and located at our offices in Rickmansworth.

Closing date:

08/01/2026


At ETL, we always prioritise efficiency in everything we do. With this in mind, we are looking to commence our interview process without delay and reserve the right to close the opening early should we receive suitable applications.

BPSS Compliant:

Due to the nature of our work, many of our roles require all candidates to be BPSS compliant.

VISA Sponsorship:

ETL Systems is proud to be a Grade A VISA sponsor for skills in short supply within the UK - we are open to receiving applications from Q&V Band Specialists looking to relocate to the UK.

Agency notice:

We have engaged with our PSL to support this campaign. If you wish to introduce your business, please send an email to careers@etlsystems.com