At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative satellite communication solutions.
- Company: Join ETL Systems, a leader in satellite communications with a thriving culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33-38 days holiday, health cash plan, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with opportunities for professional development and well-being support.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering, with leadership experience in satellite communications.
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 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, Space Path 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.
- Flexible Hours available with core hours Monday‑Friday 8am‑4pm (no weekends/evening).
- 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 an 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.
- Owns 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 you will be working from our R&D office in Rickmansworth.
Please make sure you can commute to Ground Floor, Trinity Court, Suite C, Church St, Rickmansworth WD3 1RT.
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Engineering Delivery Director in Rickmansworth 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Delivery Director in Rickmansworth
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Delivery Director in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ETL Systems, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ETL Systems, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ETL Systems
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ETL Systems.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ETL Systems. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ETL Systems love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
