RF Lab Technician

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, Space Path 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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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,…