Mechanical Engineer - 3 Month FTC

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.

ETL People benefits

• 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

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering team on a 3-month fixed-term contract to support the delivery of the V-band HPA project as it transitions from detailed design into prototype build and evaluation.

This role will provide additional engineering capacity to complete remaining design activities, finalise project documentation, prepare manufacturing and assembly data, and support prototype build and test activities. Working closely with Mechanical Engineers, Systems Engineers, Production Engineering, Project Managers and external suppliers, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining programme milestones, supporting prototype integration and reducing schedule risk during a critical phase of development.

The Ideal Candidate

• Background in test as they will need to write a test schedule.
• Experience supporting prototype development, engineering builds and design iterations.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings, bill of materials management and change control processes.
• Experience creating test plans, verification documentation and technical reports.
• Familiarity with Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and assembly techniques.
• Practical workshop and hands-on engineering skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and documentation control.

Key Accountabilities

• Support completion of outstanding mechanical design activities for the V-band HPA programme.
• Update and release mechanical parts, assemblies, drawings and associated design documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and support closure of design actions.
• Generate, maintain and update bills of materials (BOMs) and engineering data packs.
• Produce manufacturing, build and assembly documentation to support prototype activities.
• Provide hands-on support during prototype builds, including issue investigation, resolution and implementation of part modifications.
• Process and implement mechanical engineering design changes in accordance with company procedures.
• Create, review and maintain verification, validation and test documentation.
• Support execution of prototype evaluation activities, including thermal, vibration and environmental testing.
• Analyse test results and produce technical reports and recommendations.
• Maintain CAD and PDM data in line with company standards and processes.
• Provide technical support to ensure programme milestones are delivered to schedule.

Desirables

• Experience working within aerospace, defence, communications, RF, satellite, electronics or other high-technology industries.
• Knowledge of prototype integration, environmental qualification and product verification activities.
• Experience supporting projects through design release into manufacture and assembly.
• Familiarity with engineering change management and configuration control processes.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) principles.
• Experience working with external suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Awareness of quality management and engineering documentation standards.

Location

Hybrid working is available for this role - Before applying, please make sure you can commute to Coldwell Radio Station, Madley, Herefordshire, HR2 9NE on an adhoc basis

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.