At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design projects from concept to production, optimising for performance and reliability.
- Company: Join ETL Systems, a leader in satellite communications with over 40 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, annual bonuses, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Recognised as a Great Place to Work with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, thermal modelling, and a passion for mentoring others.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ 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 forms the backbone of critical satellite communications infrastructure.
ETL's success has been recognised with three Queen's Awards for Enterprise in International Trade.
The top 10 operators globally are utilising ETL technology, and more than 75% of NATO governments rely on ETL equipment to support critical communications infrastructure and national security objectives.
The company offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning the entire signal chain, from antenna to modem, across both uplink and downlink paths.
Through strategic acquisitions, ETL has expanded its capabilities to deliver increasingly integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of satellite network operators.
Today, ETL delivers integrated RF, digital and software solutions that enable operators, defence organisations, governments and critical communications providers to design, manage and optimise satellite networks with confidence.
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.
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and technically accomplished Mechanical Design Engineer with extensive experience in designing electronic or RF equipment and a strong understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
They will demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
They will be passionate about innovation, continuous improvement, and mentoring others while taking ownership of complex engineering challenges and delivering practical solutions.
The successful individual will thrive in a collaborative environment, embody ETL's values of Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence, and Integrity, and be committed to delivering exceptional results for customers and colleagues alike
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the mechanical design of products from concept through to production release.
- Undertaking advanced Thermal Modelling activities to analyse, predict, and optimise the thermal performance of systems and products, supporting design decisions and ensuring compliance with project and operational requirements.
- Develop robust and cost-effective mechanical solutions for electronic and RF equipment.
- Ensure designs are optimised for manufacture, assembly, reliability, and quality.
- Produce detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Design enclosures and packaging solutions that meet environmental requirements including thermal, IP rating and other relevant standards.
- Introduce and champion innovative manufacturing methods and alternative design approaches.
- Work closely with engineering, project management, manufacturing, suppliers, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
- Provide accurate design estimates, supporting project planning and cost control
- Mentor and support junior engineers,
- promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.
- Contribute to department process improvements and quality initiatives.
- Support production activities and resolve engineering issues where required.
- Ensure compliance with ETL standards, industry standards, and customer requirements.
- Experience designing products for harsh environmental conditions.
- Must have proven experience in Thermal Modelling, with the ability to perform thermal analyses and provide recommendations to support design and development activities.
- Knowledge of moulded plastics and injection moulded component design.
- Understanding of BOM structures and product configuration management.
- Experience with Engineering Change Notice (ECN) and Change Request (CR) processes.
- Knowledge of Product Data Management (PDM) systems or equivalent.
- Experience defining, reviewing, and analysing test data and performance results.
- Professional registration or working towards Chartership would be advantageous.
- Previous experience within satellite communications, RF technology, electronics, defence, aerospace, or a related high- technology industry
- Location
- W orking location: Hereford or 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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer 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 Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Rickmansworth
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like ETL Systems Ltd.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like ETL Systems Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ETL Systems Ltd and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for ETL Systems Ltd and the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETL Systems Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at ETL Systems Ltd.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at ETL Systems Ltd.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with ETL Systems Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
