Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

ETL Systems; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ETL Systems is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer with extensive experience in designing electronic or RF equipment. You will apply Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions that meet stringent environmental and performance requirements.

Key responsibilities include leading the mechanical design from concept to production, performing advanced thermal modelling, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in designing electronic or RF equipment.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of products from concept through to production release.
• Undertaking advanced Thermal Modelling activities to analyse, predict, and optimise the thermal performance of systems and products.
• Develop robust and cost-effective mechanical solutions for electronic and RF equipment.
• Produce detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Design enclosures and packaging solutions that meet environmental requirements including thermal, IP rating and other standards.
• Introduce and champion innovative manufacturing methods and alternative design approaches.

Skills

Mechanical design

Thermal modelling

DFM

DFA

Electronics design

RF equipment

Tools

PDM systems

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 forms the backbone of critical satellite communications infrastructure. ETL's success has been recognised with three Queen's Awards for Enterprise in International Trade. The top 10 operators globally are utilising ETL technology, and more than 75% of NATO governments rely on ETL equipment to support critical communications infrastructure and national security objectives.

The company offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning the entire signal chain, from antenna to modem, across both uplink and downlink paths. Through strategic acquisitions, ETL has expanded its capabilities to deliver increasingly integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of satellite network operators. Today, ETL delivers integrated RF, digital and software solutions that enable operators, defence organisations, governments and critical communications providers to design, manage and optimise satellite networks with confidence.

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.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and technically accomplished Mechanical Design Engineer with extensive experience in designing electronic or RF equipment and a strong understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).

They will demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels. They will be passionate about innovation, continuous improvement, and mentoring others while taking ownership of complex engineering challenges and delivering practical solutions.

The successful individual will thrive in a collaborative environment, embody ETL's values of Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence, and Integrity, and be committed to delivering exceptional results for customers and colleagues alike

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead the mechanical design of products from concept through to production release.
• Undertaking advanced Thermal Modelling activities to analyse, predict, and optimise the thermal performance of systems and products, supporting design decisions and ensuring compliance with project and operational requirements.
• Develop robust and cost-effective mechanical solutions for electronic and RF equipment.
• Ensure designs are optimised for manufacture, assembly, reliability, and quality.
• Produce detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Design enclosures and packaging solutions that meet environmental requirements including thermal, IP rating and other relevant standards.
• Introduce and champion innovative manufacturing methods and alternative design approaches.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, manufacturing, suppliers, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
• Provide accurate design estimates, supporting project planning and cost control
• Mentor and support junior engineers,
• promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Contribute to department process improvements and quality initiatives.
• Support production activities and resolve engineering issues where required.
• Ensure compliance with ETL standards, industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Experience designing products for harsh environmental conditions.
• Must have proven experience in Thermal Modelling, with the ability to perform thermal analyses and provide recommendations to support design and development activities.
• Knowledge of moulded plastics and injection moulded component design.
• Understanding of BOM structures and product configuration management.
• Experience with Engineering Change Notice (ECN) and Change Request (CR) processes.
• Knowledge of Product Data Management (PDM) systems or equivalent.
• Experience defining, reviewing, and analysing test data and performance results.
• Professional registration or working towards Chartership would be advantageous.
• Previous experience within satellite communications, RF technology, electronics, defence, aerospace, or a related high- technology industry

Location

W orking location: Hereford or Rickmansworth

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 .