Principal Radio Frequency Engineer

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Join the Future of Satellite Communications | Discover Exciting Opportunities | Associate CIPD

ETL Systems Ltd

ETL Systems has been at the forefront of RF design and manufacturing for over 35 years. It designs and builds essential elements of critical satellite communications infrastructure. Its culture of innovation and its solutioneering approach have established it as a market leader in the field.

ETL’s rapid growth and success have been recognised at the UK's highest level, with the company winning three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade. As a testament to that success, the top 20 satellite operators and teleports in the world utilise ETL’s products. Around the world, 75% of NATO governments use ETL Systems equipment to protect their citizens.

The company offers a full suite of solutions between the antenna and the modem for both the uplink and downlink chains. In 2019, ETL expanded its range to include instrumentation and measurement equipment for the set-up and testing of RF chains through its acquisition of Atlantic Microwave Ltd. In 2024, the company acquired SpacePath Communications and IRT Technologies to expand its product range to include RF high-power amplifiers.

ETL Systems is thriving and actively seeking a Principal RF Engineer with extensive knowledge within the Ka-band domain.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Principal RF Engineer to lead the design and development of high-power RF amplifiers and related components operating at Ka-Band and above. This role is critical to the delivery of ETL Systems’ next-generation satellite communication products and has been shaped to meet immediate business needs.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in Ka-band development, with a strong understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this frequency range. While we recognise that such profiles are rare, we are committed to prioritising candidates with this expertise. We will also consider candidates with strong C and Ku band experience who demonstrate the technical depth and adaptability to scale up into Ka-band development.

Immediate Business Focus

This role has been prioritised to support the development of Ka-band products and other high-frequency systems that are central to our current strategic roadmap. The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Rapidly integrate into active Ka-band development cycles.
• Provide technical leadership on high-impact projects.
• Deliver solutions that meet urgent customer and market demands.

Scope for Progression and Development

While the initial focus is on Ka-band product delivery, this role offers significant scope for growth. As ETL Systems continues to expand, the Principal RF Engineer will have opportunities to:

• Influence long-term product strategy and innovation.
• Take on broader leadership responsibilities.
• Access professional development and training aligned with career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high-power RF amplifiers (50W to 1000W) across Ka, Ku, X, and C bands, with a primary focus on Ka-band.
• Drive innovation in solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) architectures and block upconverter (BUC) integration.
• Collaborate with internal and external engineering teams to enhance product lines such as AntBUC, FemtoBUC, PicoBUC, and rack-mounted HPAs.
• Provide technical oversight for RF components, including amplifiers, frequency converters, and RF distribution systems.
• Perform simulations, schematic capture, PCB layout guidance, prototyping, and testing.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical reviews and roadmap planning.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in Ka-band RF design is strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST).
• Hands-on experience with lab testing equipment (spectrum analysers, VNAs, power meters).
• Familiarity with thermal management, EMC compliance, and mechanical integration.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Certifications in EMC/EMI Compliance, RF Safety, IPC Standards (desirable), and Project Management (desirable).
• Willingness to travel, including internationally.

Location: This is a site-based role, so you’ll be working hands-on with our engineers and equipment every day, right at the heart of the action.

Closing date: At ETL, we always prioritise efficiency in everything we do. With this in mind, we aim to commence our interview process promptly 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: All applicants must hold the appropriate right-to-work documents.

Agency notice:

If you want to partner with ETL Systems for recruitment and help us grow by supplying exceptional talent, please email careers@etlysystems.com.

Please note that we do not accept speculative CVs from external suppliers before the terms of the business agreement.

ETL Systems Ltd

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering, Research, and Design

• Industries

  Computers and Electronics Manufacturing and Telecommunications

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