At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the RF Design team with testing, tuning, and modifying RF PCBs and assemblies.
- Company: Join ETL Systems, a leader in satellite communications with a thriving culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, annual bonuses, and career development.
- Other info: Casual dress, free gym access, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working with cutting-edge RF technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in RF circuits, proficiency in test equipment, and scripting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ 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.
Benefits include:
- 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: Working on-site from our R&D offices in Rickmansworth, this hands‑on role is focused on supporting the RF Design team with new developments, primarily through testing, tuning, reworking, and modifying RF PCBs and assemblies. The responsibilities include maintaining the stock of components and consumables, assisting with test equipment calibration arrangements, and organising the RF laboratory. The role involves various support tasks within the RF engineering team, including building and testing boards, modules, and chassis.
The Ideal Candidate: Our ideal candidate will have previous experience in the construction and testing of RF circuits or similar devices. The ability to read schematic and PCB layout diagrams accurately is essential, as is the ability to follow test procedures and document results meticulously. Proficiency in using RF/Electronic test equipment, such as VNAs, Spectrum Analysers, Signal Generators, Power Meters, Oscilloscopes, and DVMs/DMMs, is required. Additionally, the candidate should have experience in writing and editing Python and LabVIEW scripts to control test equipment and run automated testing. While some experience with mechanical modification is a plus, it is not essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or similar software is necessary.
Key Accountabilities:
- Support the RF team with maintaining the lab area.
- Organising storage of development hardware.
- Arrange ordering of equipment, parts and lab supplies as necessary.
- Ensuring test and rework benches are suitably equipped and maintained.
- Tidiness of the lab area.
- Ensure all lab equipment is functional and arrange repair as necessary.
- Assist with annual calibration of lab equipment (VNAs etc).
- Modification of boards to IPC-610.
- Test and measure RF PCBs and their assembly using VNA, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyser, etc.
- Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate RF products and assemblies under different environmental conditions.
- Construction and assembly of prototype boards and chassis.
- Construction of wiring looms.
Location: This role requires you to work on-site working from our R&D office in Rickmansworth - Before applying, please make sure you can commute to Ground Floor, Trinity Court, Suite C, Church St, Rickmansworth WD3 1RT.
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.
RF Lab Technician 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 RF Lab Technician 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 RF Lab Technician role you’re after at ETL Systems.
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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
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We think you need these skills to ace RF Lab Technician in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like RF Lab Technician, 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.
