At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design, test, and improve innovative mechanical products.
- Company: ETL Systems, a leader in satellite communications with a thriving culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33-38 days holiday, health cash plan, bonuses, and career development.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; join a Great Place to Work!
- Why this job: Make a global impact while growing your engineering skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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: We're looking for a Junior Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team and support the development, testing, and improvement of innovative products. This is a hands‑on role that combines mechanical design, CAD, prototyping, workshop activities, and engineering data management. Whether you're an experienced technician or have recently completed an HNC/HND and are looking to develop your engineering career, this is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to the full product development lifecycle.
The ideal candidate will be a proactive and hands‑on Junior Mechanical Engineer with a passion for engineering, problem‑solving and continuous improvement. They will combine strong CAD and technical documentation skills with practical workshop experience, enabling them to confidently support product development from concept through to prototype build and testing. An organised and detail‑oriented individual, they will be comfortable working with engineering data, bills of materials and change control processes while maintaining high standards of accuracy. The successful candidate will be a collaborative team player who communicates effectively with engineering and production colleagues, demonstrates a willingness to learn, and thrives in a fast‑paced environment where innovation, initiative and technical curiosity are valued.
Experience with 3D printing, prototype evaluation, and manufacturing support would be advantageous, but equally important is a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and an enthusiasm for developing a long‑term career within a growing engineering business.
Key Accountabilities: As a Junior Mechanical Engineer, you'll:
- Create and modify mechanical parts and assemblies using CAD software.
- Produce product artwork and engineering documentation.
- Investigate and support engineering design changes.
- Maintain and update Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Create clear build and assembly instructions for manufacturing teams.
- Manage and maintain CAD and Product Data Management (PDM) information.
- Support Production Engineering with new and existing products.
- Build and evaluate prototype equipment.
- Conduct prototype testing, including thermal and vibration evaluations.
- Record and analyse test results.
- Maintain the mechanical workshop and 3D printing facilities.
HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Experience using CAD software. Practical workshop experience using hand tools and engineering equipment. Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings. Strong attention to detail and organisational skills. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems. Knowledge of change control processes. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDRAW, or similar software. Experience using 3D printers. Basic soldering skills. Experience supporting manufacturing or production engineering environments.
Location: Hybrid working is available for this role - Before applying, please make sure you can commute to Coldwell Radio Station, Madley, Herefordshire, HR2 9NE.
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.
Junior Mechanical Engineer 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 Junior Mechanical 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.
✨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 love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ETL Systems 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 Junior Mechanical 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 and the Junior Mechanical 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
✨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.
✨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.
✨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, making you a more appealing candidate.
