At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FPGA design and development for cutting-edge satellite communication technologies.
- Company: Join ETL Systems, a leader in RF design with over 35 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33-38 days holiday, health cash plan, bonuses, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; great career growth and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Deep FPGA experience and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 35 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.
Benefits include:
- 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.
- Flexible Hours available with core hours Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (no weekends/evening).
- Annual company events.
Role Overview:
This is a senior technical role for an experienced FPGA engineer who thrives on solving complex digital IF and signal‑processing challenges. You will lead the architecture and development of FPGA‑based solutions that directly support ETL's expanding digital RF product portfolio. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, influence technical direction and help shape robust, scalable and high‑performance designs from concept through to verification and integration. The role offers the opportunity to combine hands‑on engineering with technical leadership, mentoring and continuous improvement in a business where your work has global impact.
The ideal candidate:
- Has deep FPGA design and verification experience, ideally in digital IF, SDR, communications or DSP‑heavy systems.
- Is comfortable moving between architecture, HDL implementation, verification, hardware bring‑up and integration.
- Brings strong Linux, scripting and automation skills to improve repeatability, quality and team efficiency.
- Collaborates effectively across engineering disciplines and communicates complex ideas clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrates ETL's values through collaborative working, innovative thinking, high standards of delivery and personal integrity.
- Enjoys coaching and developing others while remaining hands‑on and delivery focused.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead the technical design and implementation of FPGA solutions for digital IF and related signal‑processing applications.
- Develop robust, maintainable HDL code and verification environments aligned to engineering best practice.
- Take ownership of simulation, synthesis, timing closure, hardware validation and design optimisation.
- Drive effective use of Linux‑based toolchains, TCL/IP‑core flows and build automation to support rapid, repeatable development.
- Support system integration and cross‑functional collaboration with hardware, software, systems and test teams.
- Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement by evaluating new approaches, tools and methods.
- Mentor junior engineers and help build technical capability, collaboration and excellence within the team.
- Act with integrity and accountability in technical decisions, documentation and delivery commitments.
Experience with RFSOC / MPSOC platforms. Experience with Vita 49, DIFI, ORAN or similar SDR transport/network protocols. Knowledge of cocotb, Verilator or similar modern verification approaches. Experience in communications systems, 5G, modems, digital IF distribution, satcom or wider RF product development. Experience in C, C++, Rust or Python‑based tooling in mixed hardware/software environments.
Location: Hybrid working is available for this role. When on‑site you will be working from our R&D office in Rickmansworth—Before applying, please make sure you can commute to G Round Floor, Trinity Court, Suite C, Church St, Rickmansworth WD3 1RT.
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.
Principal FPGA Engineer Rickmansworth, UK Engineering employer: ETL Systems Ltd
ETL Systems is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work and offering a vibrant 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 Rickmansworth, the hybrid working model and on-site amenities such as a gym and café further enhance the work-life balance for our team members.
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We think this is how you could land Principal FPGA Engineer Rickmansworth, UK Engineering
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal FPGA Engineer Rickmansworth, UK Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal FPGA Engineer Rickmansworth, UK Engineering, 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!
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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.
