Principal RF Engineer Job Available At ETL Systems Ltd
ETL Systems Ltd, established in 1984, is a UK-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF) distribution equipment for satellite communications.
The company offers a comprehensive range of products including amplifiers, routers, combiners, filters and fiber optics, catering to various sectors such as telecommunications, defense, marine, oil and gas and government agencies.
ETL Systems is headquartered at Coldwell Radio Station in Madley, Hereford, England.
In 2003, the company underwent a management buy-in led by Ian Hilditch and Dr. Esen Bayar, who assumed the roles of Managing Director and Chief Technical Officer, respectively.
Under their leadership, ETL Systems expanded its global footprint, opening offices in Washington, D.C. and Dubai and serving customers in over 110 countries. The company’s client portfolio includes prominent names such as CNN, BBC, Airbus, Thales, General Dynamics, ESPN, DirecTV, Associated Press, Inmarsat, BAE Systems and SES Astra.
In 2020, ETL Systems received significant investment from CBPE Capital to support its ambitious growth plans.
This investment facilitated the company’s continued expansion including the acquisition of Atlantic Microwave Ltd. in 2019 and SpacePath Communications in 2024, thereby broadening its product offerings and strengthening its position in the satellite communications market.
As of 2024, ETL Systems reported annual revenue of £29 million and employed approximately 174 people.
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Rickmansworth WD3 1RT • Hybrid work
Benefits
Extracted from the full job description:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Full Job Description
Job Advert
ETL Systems Ltd
ETL Systems Ltd has been a pioneer in RF design and manufacturing for over 35 years. Specialising in essential components of critical satellite communications infrastructure, ETL has built a reputation for innovation and problem-solving. With a revenue growth of 30x since 2003, ETL Systems continues to set industry benchmarks.
In 2020, ETL Systems secured significant investment from CBPE Capital, supporting its ambitious growth plans. This milestone has further enabled the company to achieve remarkable success including receiving three prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade.
ETL Systems’ cutting-edge products are widely trusted by the world’s top satellite operators and teleports. Approximately 75% of NATO governments use ETL equipment, underscoring the company’s pivotal role in ensuring global communication and security.
ETL provides an end-to-end suite of solutions, covering the full spectrum between the antenna and the modem, for both uplink and downlink chains. In addition, the company’s acquisition of Spacepath Communications has expanded its product portfolio to include High Power Amplifiers (HPAs), strengthening its position in the SATCOM market.
ETL People Benefits
- 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays
- Buy and sell holiday scheme
- Long service holiday accrual
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Enhanced pension plan
- Life assurance
- Annual salary review
- Career development opportunities and training for all roles
- Subsidised on-site meals (at Head Office)
- Free employee refreshments
- Casual business dress code
- Annual company events
- Employee kudos awards
- Well-being support services (free annual flu vaccinations, free eye tests, employee assistance programme and GP access)
- Referral bonus programme
- Free on-site parking with EV charging options
- Cycle to work scheme
- Green travel initiatives
Additional benefits are planned for introduction in 2025.
Role Overview
As a Principal RF Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development and optimisation of cutting-edge RF systems that integrate optical and amplifier technologies. This position involves leading project initiatives, mentoring junior engineers and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to create high-performance solutions.
Your responsibilities will focus on hands-on RF design at the discrete component level. You will develop both active and passive circuits, working across an extensive frequency range from DC to Ka-band and beyond. Key tasks include innovating design concepts, running simulations, setting specifications and performing laboratory development and tuning.
Ownership of your designs is a crucial part of the role, as you guide products from initial concept through to successful production.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead RF Circuit Design and Development: Ensure designs meet targets for performance, reliability, manufacturability, testability, cost and timelines. This includes designs for RF over Fibre products.
- RF Analysis and Simulation: Use advanced techniques to meet performance specifications including gain, linearity, VSWR, noise figure and spurious analysis. Assess the impact of optical parameters on overall system performance.
- High-Power RF Systems Design: Take the lead on high-power RF systems including the integration of Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA). Share expertise with the broader RF team. Prior experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with PCB, Mechanical, Electronics, Software and NPI engineers to ensure seamless final product design.
- Design Verification and Testing: Conduct rigorous testing and document results using tools such as Vector Network Analysers, Spectrum Analysers, Phase Noise Analysers, RF Power Sensors and Signal Generators, working with frequencies up to 67GHz.
- Pre-Sales Support: Assist pre-sales engineers in exploring new business opportunities.
- Production and Testing Support: Provide technical support for NPI, production and testing processes as needed.
- Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to enhancing RF/Microwave knowledge, processes and techniques across the organisation.
Our Ideal Candidate
We encourage all Principal and Senior RF Engineers with experience in RF over Fibre or Amplifier design to apply and explore this exciting opportunity.
Location
Flexible working opportunities are available. Specify your preferred location when submitting your application.
Closing Date
Applications close on 17th January 2025.
Interviews will commence promptly and the position may close early if suitable candidates are identified.
Visa Sponsorship
This role includes visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
Agency Notice
ETL Systems is managing this recruitment process directly during the festive season. If additional recruitment support is required, ETL will reach out to its Preferred Supplier List (PSL) in January 2025.
Here are 12 FAQs about ETL Systems Ltd:
1. When was ETL Systems founded?
ETL Systems was established in 1984 and has been a leading player in RF design and manufacturing for over 35 years.
2. Where is ETL Systems headquartered?
The company is headquartered at Coldwell Radio Station in Madley, Hereford, England.
3. What does ETL Systems specialize in?
ETL Systems specializes in designing and manufacturing RF distribution equipment for satellite communications including amplifiers, routers, combiners, filters and fiber optic systems.
4. Who owns ETL Systems?
The company underwent a management buy-in in 2003, led by Ian Hilditch (Managing Director) and Dr. Esen Bayar (Chief Technical Officer). It also received significant investment from CBPE Capital in 2020.
5. What industries does ETL Systems serve?
ETL Systems caters to sectors such as telecommunications, defense, marine, oil and gas and government agencies.
6. Does ETL Systems operate globally?
Yes, the company has a global footprint, serving customers in over 110 countries with offices in Washington, D.C. and Dubai.
7. Who are some notable clients of ETL Systems?
Prominent clients include CNN, BBC, Airbus, Thales, General Dynamics, ESPN, DirecTV, Associated Press, Inmarsat, BAE Systems and SES Astra.
8. What awards has ETL Systems won?
ETL Systems has won three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade, recognizing its contribution to global markets.
9. What is ETL Systems’ recent acquisition history?
ETL Systems acquired Atlantic Microwave Ltd. in 2019 and SpacePath Communications in 2024 to enhance its product portfolio and market reach.
10. Does ETL Systems offer employee benefits?
Yes, benefits include hybrid working, enhanced pension plans, free parking, subsidized meals, wellness support and career development opportunities.
11. Is visa sponsorship available for roles at ETL Systems?
Yes, the company provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates for certain roles.
12. What is ETL Systems’ revenue and workforce size?
As of 2024, ETL Systems reported an annual revenue of £29 million and employs approximately 174 people.
