Hardware Automation Engineer Hereford, UK Engineering

ETL Systems Ltd; Hereford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days’ holiday

Health Cash Plan

Annual Bonus & Salary Review

Company Pension

Career development and training

Wellbeing support

Job summary

ETL Systems Ltd is seeking a Hardware Automation Engineer to develop and maintain software that automates RF test and measurement systems. You will use OOP languages (VB.NET, C#, Python) and LabVIEW Actor Framework to control equipment such as Network Analysers, Spectrum Analyzers and Power Meters.

The role also involves documentation and enforcing software development best practices. The ideal candidate has experience in RF test and measurement, LabVIEW OOP/Actor Framework, and instrument

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a related science or engineering discipline.
• Experience with LabVIEW OOP/Actor Framework and VB.NET.
• Knowledge of SCPI and instrument control.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for control of RF test systems.
• Maintain and improve LabVIEW and VB.NET software projects.
• Promote best practices for software development.

Skills

OOP VB.NET/C#

Python

LabVIEW Actor Framework

RF test automation

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

LabVIEW

VB.NET

Python

SCPI

Job description

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.

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.
• Flexible Hours available with core hours Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (no weekends/evening)
• Annual company events.

Role Overview:

The Hardware Automation Engineer will develop code to automate RF test and measurement systems. This role requires a proven ability in developing in Object Oriented Software (VB.NET/PYTHON/C#) and/or LabVIEW Actor Framework to control automated test fixtures and RF test and measurement equipment such as Network Analysers, Spectrum Analysers, Power Meters and Signal Generators. You will maintain and improve existing LabVIEW/VB.NET software projects, produce product documentation, and promote best practice for software development.

This is a very important Role enabling NPI teams to design and provide automation test software and hardware to the test team.

Key Accountabilities:

• Developing new software for control of RF test systems
• Maintain and improve existing LabVIEW and VB.NET software projects
• Promote best practice for software development
• Degree or equivalent experience in a related science or engineering discipline
• Previous experience of controlling equipment using LabVIEW OOP/Actor Framework/VB.NET
• Knowledge of Test Instrumentation control (SCPI)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of RF Test and Measurement and Instrument Control. They will have experience of Object Orientated Programming, Requirements Analysis and Software Development. They will be able to provide efficient and effective programs and test fixtures to enable hardware test automation.

Desired Skills/qualifications/Experience:

• Engineering or technical degree or equivalent
• Previous experience of controlling equipment using LabVIEW OOP/Actor Framework/VB.NET
• Knowledge of Test Instrumentation control (SCPI)
• Good understanding of electronic circuits
• Ability to work effectively to meet scheduled goals and deadlines

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.