Principal Design Engineer

ETL Systems Ltd; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Company pension

Annual bonus & salary review

Health cash plan

Career development

Wellbeing support

On-site gym

Free onsite parking

EV charging

Job summary

ETL Systems Ltd is seeking a hands-on Principal Design Engineer to shape the next generation of High Power Amplifier (HPA) systems across a broad frequency range up to V-band. You’ll own designs from concept to production, across SSPA and TWTA technologies, with autonomous lab validation and optimisation.

The role demands deep, practical expertise in RF architectures, lab testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with HPA systems, SSPA, TWTA, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of satcom or high-frequency communication systems.
• Exposure to millimetre-wave or V-band development (and beyond).
• Hands-on prototyping or lab-based development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance high-power amplifiers and systems covering C to V-Band (and beyond), defining RF architectures and key subsystems.
• Carry out hands-on lab work including tuning, measurement, fault finding, and optimisation.
• Collaborate closely with RF, systems, electronics, and manufacturing teams.
• Improve and evolve existing product designs for performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Support system integration, including power electronics and control interfaces.
• Contribute technical insight to customer solutions and new opportunities.
• Document designs and support knowledge sharing across the engineering community.

Skills

HPA systems

SSPA

TWTA

Satcom knowledge

Millimetre-wave

Lab prototyping

Tools

Measurement equipment

Simulation tools

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 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 .

• 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

We’re looking for a hands‑on Principal Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of High Power Amplifier (HPA) systems across a broad frequency range up to V-band.

This is a high-impact, specialist engineering role where you’ll take ownership of designs from early concept through to production, working across both solid-state (SSPA) and travelling wave tube (TWTA) technologies.

You’ll be given the autonomy to innovate, experiment, and bring ideas to life, combining simulation, system design, and real-world lab development to deliver cutting-edge RF solutions.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and develop high-performance high-power amplifiers and systems covering C to V-Band (and beyond), defining RF architectures and key subsystems
• Carry out hands‑on lab work including tuning, measurement, fault finding, and optimisation
• Collaborate closely with RF, systems, electronics, and manufacturing teams
• Improve and evolve existing product designs for performance, efficiency, and reliability
• Support system integration, including power electronics and control interfaces
• Contribute technical insight to customer solutions and new opportunities
• Document designs and support knowledge sharing across the engineering community

The successful candidate will be a key technical contributor with proven experience in the design and development of high-powered amplifiers (HPA/SSPA).

You bring deep, hands‑on expertise and are confident taking ownership of HPA system design, from defining RF architectures through to lab validation and optimisation. Your experience enables you to shape design decisions, solve complex technical challenges, and influence product performance at a system level.

You are comfortable operating across a range of frequencies (ideally extending into higher bands), and have a strong appreciation of real‑world trade‑offs such as linearity, efficiency, and thermal performance.

Desired Skills/qualifications/Experience:

• Experience with HPA systems, SSPA, TWTA, or similar technologies
• Knowledge of satcom or high-frequency communication systems
• Exposure to millimetre‑wave or V-band development (and beyond)
• Hands‑on prototyping or lab‑based development

Location: When on‑site at you will be 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: We are able to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.