RF Lab Technician

ETL Systems Ltd; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Health plan

Annual bonus

Company pension

Career development

Wellbeing support

Employee perks

Job summary

ETL Systems Ltd is seeking an on-site RF Lab Technician in Rickmansworth to support the RF Design team. The role focuses on testing, tuning, reworking and modifying RF PCBs and assemblies, maintaining lab stock, and calibrating equipment.

Ideal candidates will read schematics, use VNAs, oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers, and script in Python and LabVIEW to automate tests. MS Office skills are essential for documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction and testing of RF circuits or similar devices.
• Ability to read schematic and PCB layout diagrams accurately.
• Follow test procedures and document results meticulously.
• Experience in using RF/test equipment (VNAs, Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, etc.).
• Experience writing and editing Python and LabVIEW scripts to control test equipment and run automated testing.
• Familiarity with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Support RF team by maintaining the lab area.
• Organise storage of development hardware.
• Arrange ordering of equipment, parts and lab supplies.
• Ensure test and rework benches are equipped and maintained.
• Maintain lab tidiness and safety.
• Ensure lab equipment is functional and arrange repairs as needed.
• Assist with annual calibration of lab equipment (VNAs, etc.).
• Modify boards to IPC-610 standards.
• Test and measure RF PCBs and assemblies using VNA, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer.
• Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate RF products under different environmental conditions.
• Construct prototype boards and chassis; assemble wiring looms.

Skills

RF testing

Schematic reading

PCB modification

Python scripting

LabVIEW scripting

VNAs

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum Analyzers

Office (Word/Excel)

Tools

VNAs

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

Power Meters

DVMs

LabVIEW

Python

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

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.