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.

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.

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

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