At a Glance
- Tasks: Assemble and test high-tech satellite communication equipment with precision and care.
- 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: Work in a modern facility with a focus on safety, quality, and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a safety-critical role that supports global satellite operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in electro-mechanical assembly and ability to follow detailed engineering instructions.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ 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.
With three Queens 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. We are proudly recognised as a Great Place to Work (2024, 2025 & 2026) and named Best Workplace in Manufacturing, Production and Transportation (2025).
Innovation: We embrace curiosity and forward-thinking to drive meaningful progress.
Excellence: We set ambitious standards and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
- 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.
- Free onsite parking, car share scheme and EV charging.
- Casual Business Dress.
- Annual company events.
The HPA Manufacturing Technician is responsible for the precise assembly, testing, and handling of High Power Amplifier (HPA) products within ETL's manufacturing environment. The role ensures that all products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability, supporting ETL's reputation for excellence in mission-critical satellite communications.
This is a hands-on, safety-critical role, with direct accountability for protecting both people and high-value company assets through disciplined working practices and adherence to defined processes.
The ideal HPA Manufacturing Technician is a disciplined, detail-oriented professional who excels in a precision-driven, safety-critical manufacturing environment. They bring strong technical capability in electro-mechanical assembly and are comfortable working from detailed engineering instructions and procedures. With experience in handling sensitive or high-value components, they understand the importance of accuracy, traceability, and delivering right-first-time results to support high-performance, mission-critical products.
A standout candidate demonstrates an exceptional sense of responsibility, particularly when working with high-power, potentially hazardous systems and high-value assets. They consistently prioritise safety, apply meticulous care in handling components, and recognise the financial and operational risks associated with errors. Their working style is focused, reliable, and process-driven, balancing efficiency with precision while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
- Assemble HPA units in line with detailed work instructions and engineering specifications.
- Handle high-value, sensitive components with the utmost care to prevent damage, loss, or performance degradation.
- Carry out mechanical and electrical assembly tasks with exceptional precision.
- Maintain strict adherence to build standards and quality requirements.
- Perform functional testing and basic fault identification on assembled units.
- Operate in a high-risk environment, maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols.
- Exercise extreme duty of care when handling high-value components, recognising the financial and operational impact of errors.
- Identify and report hazards, risks, or potential damage immediately.
- Ensure all work meets ETL's quality standards, specifications, and documented procedures.
- Complete manufacturing documentation accurately to support traceability of high-value assets.
- Work closely with colleagues across production, engineering, and quality functions.
- Provide feedback on build challenges, risks, or inefficiencies.
- Contribute to a safety-first, quality-driven team culture.
Experience in electro-mechanical or electronic assembly.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and build instructions.
Experience in testing and fault finding of technical equipment.
Background in high-specification manufacturing environments (e.g. aerospace, defence, electronics, communications).
Familiarity with quality standards and controlled processes.
This role requires you to work on-site at our modern manufacturing facility in Hereford. Before applying, please make sure you can commute to Coldwell Radio Station, Madley, Herefordshire, HR2 9NE.
We are sourcing suitable candidates for this role directly via our internal referral programme, direct marketing, and talent team.
Fabrication Technician employer: ETL Systems
As a Principal Design Engineer at our Rickmansworth R&D office, you'll join a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation in high-power amplifier systems. We pride ourselves on a supportive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, offering extensive career development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a range of employee benefits including health plans and flexible working hours. With a focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to cutting-edge technology, we provide an environment where your contributions truly matter.
