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- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of next-gen RF and Digital satellite communication products.
- Company: Join ETL Systems, a leader in satellite communications with over 35 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, health cash plan, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in RF or Digital Electronics and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career growth and mentoring opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Systems Engineer role at ETL Systems. 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, 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:
- 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.
Benefits include:
- 25 days holidays plus UK bank holidays increasing to 30 days with tenure
- Buy and sell holiday scheme
- Enhanced pension plan
- Company funded Health Cash Plan including coverage for dental, optical, GP & Prescriptions
- Annual Bonus
- Life assurance
- Career development and training for all roles
- Free employee refreshments
- Casual business dress
- Annual company events
- ETL employee wellbeing support
- Free onsite parking, car share scheme and EV charging
- Cycle to work scheme
- Green Car Scheme
Role Overview: As a Principal Product Systems Engineer, you’ll lead the design and integration of next‑generation RF and Digital satellite communication products and sub‑systems. You’ll work across multiple technical disciplines – hardware, software, and manufacturing – to deliver high‑performance solutions that meet complex requirements. From concept to deployment, you’ll be the technical authority driving innovation and excellence.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead product development, ensuring alignment of the products with business objectives
- Collaborate across RF, Digital, Electronics, Mechanical, PCB and Software teams
- Lead integration and validation of complex systems
- Mentor engineers and champion best practices
- Influence technology adoption and product strategy
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished Principal with deep expertise in RF or Digital Electronics and a broad understanding of multidisciplinary system design. They will have a proven track record of leading complex product development from concept through deployment, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with business objectives. Skilled in requirements capture, system‑level decision‑making, and integration, they will act as the technical authority across hardware, software, and manufacturing domains.
Beyond technical capability, this individual will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, mentoring engineers and championing best practices. They will thrive in a collaborative environment, influencing technology adoption and shaping product strategy to drive innovation. Exceptional communication skills, problem‑solving ability, and familiarity with satellite communications technologies will set them apart, along with a commitment to delivering high‑performance solutions that meet complex requirements.
Experience in multidisciplinary system design and leadership. Skilled in requirements capture and system‑level decision‑making. Effective communicator and problem solver.
Location: Hybrid working is available for this role. As a growing business, we have offices across the UK, which allows us to be flexible about your work location for this role. When applying, please select your preferred place of work.
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: ETL Systems is proud to be a Grade A VISA sponsor for skills in short supply within the UK.
Agency notice: We are looking to source suitable candidates for this role through our internal referral programme, direct marketing, and talent team. Please note that we do not accept speculative CVs from external suppliers.
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Design, Product Management, and Project Management
Industries: Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, Telecommunications, and Defense and Space Manufacturing
Principal Systems Engineer in Rickmansworth employer: ETL Systems
Contact Detail:
ETL Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer in Rickmansworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ETL Systems on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can double your chances of landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into RF and Digital satellite communications. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with ETL's innovative projects. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining ETL Systems and being part of their exciting journey in satellite communications.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in RF or Digital Electronics and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about satellite communications and how you can contribute to our innovative culture at ETL Systems. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with creative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETL Systems
✨Know Your RF and Digital Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RF and digital electronics. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved complex system design and integration. This will show your technical expertise and how it aligns with ETL Systems' focus.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or influenced technology adoption. Highlighting your leadership qualities will demonstrate that you're not just technically skilled but also capable of guiding others.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
ETL Systems values collaboration across various disciplines. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific instances where your collaborative efforts led to successful project outcomes, showcasing your ability to work as part of a unified team.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of challenging situations you've encountered in previous roles and how you resolved them. Being able to articulate your thought process will highlight your analytical skills and fit for the role.
