At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team in satellite communications and drive innovative projects.
- Company: Join ETL Systems, a leader in satellite technology with a thriving culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, annual bonuses, and career development.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with excellent growth opportunities and a great workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering, with leadership experience in complex programmes.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Looking for your next career move in a company that’s shaping the future of satellite communications? At ETL Systems, we’ve been leading the way in RF design and manufacturing for over 40 years. Our technology powers critical satellite communications infrastructure used by the top 20 satellite operators and teleports worldwide, and 75% of NATO governments rely on our equipment to help protect their citizens. We’re not just growing, we’re thriving.
With three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade, and recent acquisitions of Atlantic Microwave, SpacePath Communications, and IRT Technologies, we’ve expanded our capabilities across the full RF chain. This includes everything from antenna to modem, as well as high‑power amplifiers and RF test equipment. What truly sets us apart is our culture. We are proudly recognised as a Great Place to Work (2024, 2025 & 2026) and named Best Workplace in Manufacturing, Production and Transportation (2025).
Our success is built on strong values that shape how we work and grow together:
- Collaboration: We work as one team, united in purpose and committed to shared success.
- Innovation: We embrace curiosity and forward‑thinking to drive meaningful progress.
- Excellence: We set ambitious standards and consistently deliver high‑quality outcomes.
- Integrity: We act ethically, honestly and with professionalism in everything we do.
If you’re looking to join a company where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a global impact, ETL Systems is the place for you.
33 days’ holiday per year (including UK bank holidays), rising to 38 days over your first five years’ service. Company‑funded Health Cash Plan (helping with everyday healthcare costs). Annual Bonus & Salary Review. Company Pension. Career development and training for all roles. ETL Employee Wellbeing Support: free eye tests, free Employee Assistance Programme, GP anytime. ETL People Perks: discounts on shopping, holidays, gym membership, days out, cinema and dining. Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme. Free on‑site Employee Gym (HFD HQ) and subsidised Gym memberships via People Perks. Subsidised on‑site employee Café (HFD HQ), with free refreshments for all employees. Free onsite parking, car share scheme and EV charging. Casual Business Dress. Annual company events.
Role Overview: The Engineering Director is a senior leadership position and will be responsible for managing ETL’s multi‑disciplinary engineering team. The Engineering Director is accountable for engineering execution as an organisation. They translate technical needs into people, structure, and processes. Collaborating closely with the CTO and other senior members within the company, the Engineering Director shall ensure on‑time and on‑budget completion of development projects while applying rigorous systems engineering principles. The Engineering Director shall be responsible for the simultaneous delivery of multiple products at the same time, with product delivery timeframes ranging from several weeks to 18+ months, depending on complexity. Part of the Engineering Director roles will also be to support delivering responses to RFI/RFP and during board and executive stakeholder meetings. The Engineering Director owns that the processes, tools, and governance exist and operate effectively within the engineering organisation. The role reports to the CTO and is ideally based in Rickmansworth, UK and will require travel to the company’s manufacturing site in Hereford, UK.
The ideal candidate:
- 10+ years of engineering experience in satellite communications or related R&D roles.
- 5+ years of experience in managing complex programmes in Engineering environment.
- 3+ years in senior engineering leadership leading multi‑disciplinary team.
- In‑depth experience in managing development and delivery of complex satellite communications electronics product involving embedded software and mechanical design.
- Understanding of end‑to‑end satellite communication system architectures (GEO, MEO, LEO).
- Strong background in RF engineering or similar.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead a multi‑disciplinary engineering teams including Systems, Hardware (RF, Mechanical & PCB ECAD), Digital and Software.
- Own engineering capacity, capability, and talent.
- Own daily execution of engineering processes, tools, and governance.
- Balance cost, productivity, and quality.
- Collaborating closely with the project management team, deliver engineering work packages to multiple programmes/projects.
- Design and refine engineering team organisational structure that scales with company growth.
- Set clear expectations, direction, and objectives for engineering team members.
- Manage forecast loading vs capacity for the engineering function to inform bid and hiring decisions.
- Manage the engineering budget including capital expenditures and R&D allocation.
- Support RFI/RFP bids.
- Support rigorous system engineering life cycle development process from requirements gathering, design, integration, test, production and deployment.
- Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation and accountability.
- Lead the review of engineering development tools and instruments from time to time to ensure efficient execution of the business objectives.
- Collaborate closely with the Chief Engineer during the design reviews to ensure designs comply with requirements.
- Knowledge of RF / Satellite communications.
- Familiarity with satellite communication gateway station operations and satellite fleet management.
- Experience working with government or defence customers.
Location: Hybrid working is available for this role. When on‑site at you will be working from our R&D office in Rickmansworth.
Closing date: 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, all roles require candidates to be BPSS compliant.
VISA Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Agency notice: We are sourcing suitable candidates for this role directly via our internal referral programme, direct marketing, and talent team. Please note that we do not accept speculative CVs from external suppliers.
Engineering Delivery Director in Rickmansworth employer: ETL Systems Ltd
ETL Systems is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work and offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence. With generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, a company-funded health cash plan, and extensive career development opportunities, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to impactful satellite communications technology. Located in Hereford, the modern facility provides a supportive environment with flexible hours, on-site amenities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, making it an ideal place for aspiring data analysts to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Delivery Director in Rickmansworth
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Delivery Director role you’re after at ETL Systems Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at ETL Systems Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at ETL Systems Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Delivery Director at ETL Systems Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Delivery Director in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Delivery Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at ETL Systems Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to ETL Systems Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ETL Systems Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ETL Systems Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like ETL Systems Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
