At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of cutting-edge RF systems for satellite communications.
- Company: Join a market leader in RF design with over 35 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, career development, and more.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic lab environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in next-gen satellite tech while mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: Extensive RF design experience and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ETL Systems has been at the forefront of RF design and manufacturing for over 35 years. It designs and builds essential elements of critical satellite communications infrastructure. Its culture of innovation and solution-oriented approach has established it as a market leader in the field, with revenue growing 30x since 2003. In 2020, ETL Systems received significant investment from CBPE Capital, enabling the management team to drive its ambitious growth plan forward. ETL's rapid growth and success have been recognised at the UK's highest level, winning three Queen's Awards for Enterprise in International Trade. As a testament to that success, the top 20 satellite operators and teleports utilise ETL's products. Around the world, 75% of NATO governments use ETL Systems equipment to protect their citizens.
Today, the company offers a full suite of solutions between the antenna and the modem for both the uplink and downlink chains. ETL recently acquired Spacepath Communications to integrate SpacePath's HPA product line into its portfolio. This position positions ETL to meet the evolving needs of our customers better and expand ETL's reach within the SATCOM market.
ETL People benefits:
- 25 days' holidays plus UK bank holidays
- Buy and sell holiday scheme
- Long service holiday accrual
- Enhanced pension plan
- Life assurance
- Annual salary review
- Career development and training for all roles
- Free employee refreshments
- Casual business dress
- Annual company events
- Employee kudos awards
- ETL employee wellbeing support (free annual flu vaccination, free eye tests, free employee assistance programme, Free GP Access)
- Employee referral bonus
- Free onsite parking
- EV charging is available on-site
- Cycle to work scheme
- Green travel scheme
Role Overview:
We are looking for a highly experienced Principal RF Engineer to join our advanced Research & Development team in Rickmansworth, North London. This is a critical role within ETL Systems, where you will lead the design, development, and implementation of complex RF and mmWave systems that underpin next-generation satellite communication technologies. Operating at the forefront of innovation, you will be instrumental in delivering high-performance RF sub-systems from initial concept through to production, ensuring that our solutions meet the rigorous demands of global connectivity.
As a Principal RF Engineer, you will work onsite in our state-of-the-art R&D Lab, collaborating closely with a dynamic team of RF specialists and multidisciplinary engineers. This hands-on environment offers the opportunity to engage in practical design, rapid prototyping, and precision testing using world-class equipment. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives on technical challenges, values innovation, and enjoys mentoring others. You will report directly to the RF Team Lead and play a key role in shaping the future of RF technology within our organisation.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead the design and development of RF and Microwave products across IF, L-, C-, X-, Ku-, K-, Ka, and Q/V-Bands.
- Solve complex and unique RF design challenges with broad business impact.
- Anticipate internal and external business and regulatory challenges to improve products, processes, and services.
- Lead cross-functional project teams to achieve technical milestones and strategic objectives.
- Perform RF system analysis and simulation, including cascade analysis and frequency planning.
- Produce high-quality technical documentation including datasheets, design reports, and test results.
- Communicate complex technical ideas and influence senior stakeholders to adopt new approaches.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of functional strategy.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and alignment with business goals.
Our ideal candidate:
Our ideal candidate will be a hands-on professional who will spend most of their time in the lab developing new technologies and supporting the next generation of up-and-coming RF professionals.
Essential:
- Extensive experience in RF and Microwave design (DC–6GHz and ideally up to >40GHz).
- Proven ability to solve complex engineering problems with strategic impact.
- Proficient in CAD tools (e.g. NI/AWR Microwave Office).
- In-depth understanding of RF circuit theory, transmission lines, and PCB layout.
- Experience designing amplifiers, splitters, switches, converters, and passive networks.
- Skilled in using RF test equipment (e.g. VNAs, spectrum analysers).
- Strong communication and leadership skills, including influencing senior stakeholders.
Desirable:
- Experience with satellite communications and compliance standards (e.g. EMC).
- Familiarity with system simulation tools and RF product assembly techniques.
- Knowledge of interfacing RF with digital and analogue electronics (e.g. FPGA, ADC/DAC).
- Experience in Design for Manufacture and Design for Test.
Location: This role will be site-based and located at our offices in Rickmansworth.
Closing date: 08/01/2026
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, many of our roles require all candidates to be BPSS compliant.
VISA Sponsorship: ETL Systems is proud to be a Grade A VISA sponsor for skills in short supply within the UK - we are open to receiving applications from Q&V Band Specialists looking to relocate to the UK.
Principal RF 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 Principal RF Engineer in Rickmansworth
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal RF Engineer role you’re after at ETL Systems.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at ETL Systems a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at ETL Systems.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal RF Engineer at ETL Systems, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal RF Engineer in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal RF Engineer, 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 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 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!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ETL Systems
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ETL Systems, 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 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.
