ETL Systems
Worldwide Specialists For Over 35 Years
ETL Systems designs and manufactures RF equipment for critical satellite communications, trusted by the top 20 satellite operators and teleports. Our comprehensive solutions between antennas and modems for uplink and downlink chains establish us as industry leaders. ETL’s range includes instrumentation and measurement equipment for RF chain setup and testing.
Leading RF design and manufacturing for over 35 years.
ETL designs and builds essential elements of critical satellite communications infrastructure. Its culture of innovation and solutioneering approach have established it as a market leader in the field, with revenue growing 30x since 2003. In 2020, ETL Systems received significant investment from CBPE Capital, enabling the management team to drive their ambitious growth plan forward.
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.
Today, 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 setup and testing of RF chains through its acquisition of Atlantic Microwave Ltd.
Facilities & Capabilities
Nestled on a sprawling 3-acre campus adjacent to the BT Madley Satellite Earth Station in Herefordshire, the company’s head office serves as the central hub for its production team. Here, a wide spectrum of capabilities flourishes, encompassing RF testing, software design, automated circuit board assembly, concept design, pick and place machinery, and machining workshops. This integrated setup facilitates the seamless execution of design, production, and testing processes, all held to the rigorous standards of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Since 2021, our premises have housed a cutting-edge manufacturing facility poised to accommodate the forthcoming phase of the company’s expansion.
With a sales presence extending to the USA and strategically positioned European sales managers, the company boasts a global footprint. Meanwhile, the Research and Development laboratory in Rickmansworth hosts a dedicated in-house design and engineering team specialising in originating RF design concepts and refining existing products to meet customer requirements.
Looking Ahead
As the satellite ground segment undergoes evolution to confront emerging challenges like the expansion of LEO networks and the virtualisation movement, ETL remains at the forefront of innovation, adapting to meet evolving market demands.
Continuously striving to fulfil these needs, ETL is developing new products and refining the performance and functionality of RF equipment.
ETL’s forward-thinking approach will play a pivotal role in tackling these challenges, as evidenced by the introduction of the Genus range. This revolutionary modular chassis concept offers a flexible platform capable of accommodating multiple RF functionalities. Whilst Genus Digital, will enable customers to seamlessly convert RF signals into digital format for advanced signal processing and distribution.
ETL aims to redefine industry standards and provide customised solutions to address the demands of an ever-evolving landscape, revolutionising the Satcom industry as we know it.
Management Team
Kevin Dunne
CEO
Kevin, who joined ETL Systems in 2023 as CEO, brings over 20 years of experience in RF Systems for Satellite and Defence communications. Previously, he served as Vice President and Managing Director at API Technologies Corporation. His extensive leadership experience in technology companies positions him to drive ETL Systems’ growth and innovation.
Alex Baldock
COO
Alex joined ETL Systems in 2023 as COO, bringing over 25 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, and supply chain management. He has held senior roles at Magellan Aerospace, Cobham Group, and Abaco Systems. Alex is dedicated to engaging, developing, and empowering his teams.
Paul Gouws
CTO
Paul joined the team in 2018, bringing over 15 years’ experience in the satellite communications industry. In that time he has taken lead roles in the design and development of industry leading avionics SATCOM terminals, spacecraft RF systems and satellite ground segment equipment, covering both ends of the SATCOM link.
Andrew Bond
Sales & Marketing Director
Andrew’s speciality is the sales and marketing of technical communications products, with a focus on developing international brands and sales networks. He joined the ETL team in June 2005 to support its expansion into new global markets and has since seen sales grow around 20% per year.
Joanna Gower
Director HR, People & Culture
Joanna joined ETL Systems in 2022, during a time of rapid and exciting growth for the company. As the head of ETL’s HR department, Joanna provides strategic HR leadership to all areas of the business. She brings over 20 years of experience to the Executive Team, with past roles spanning areas including Learning & Development and Organisational Design.
Paul Stephens
Finance Director
Paul joined ETL in 2011 following a long career at Roland (UK) Limited (Finance Director) and a successful period consulting with a number of companies in a variety of industry segments including Advertising, Retail, FMCG, Distribution and Manufacturing. He has a BSc in Economics and Accounts and is a Chartered Accountant.
Non-Executive Team
Andrew Tyler
Non-Executive Chairman
Andrew joined ETL in 2020 after 25 years in C-Suite roles in engineering and technology. He holds an MBA from London Business School, a doctorate in environmental chemistry, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Previously, Andrew worked at BMT, served as COO at the UK Ministry of Defence, was CEO of Marine Current Turbines leading its sale to Siemens, and led Northrop Grumman’s European aerospace and defence operations. He also served as Group CEO of Algeco Group.
Ian Hilditch
Non-Executive Director
With an MA in Engineering, Economics, and Management from Oxford University, Ian joined ETL as Managing Director and CEO in June 2003, after arranging a management buy-in. As a serial entrepreneur, he has a wide range of experience of running and growing companies, with particular focus on the business development and finance. Ian moved to a Non-Exec position in 2024, in an advisory and governance capacity providing insights to the Executive team based on his 21 years’ experience at ETL.
Esen Bayar
Non-Executive Director
Esen, ETL’s Chief Technical Officer since June 2003, brings over 30 years of experience in satellite communication systems and hardware design. His leadership has been pivotal in establishing ETL as a global leader in RF engineering. Before ETL, he held roles at Marconi Space & Defence Systems, Com Dev, and Radiant Broadband Wireless Systems. Esen earned his PhD from Kings’ College, University of London, and holds patents in RF & microwave design and satellite & broadband wireless communications.
Jolyon Latimer
Non-Executive Director
Jolyon has been involved with ETL since 2020 when the business received investment funding from CBPE Capital. Jolyon joined CBPE in 2010 and is a member of the Investment Committee. He has a particular focus on businesses in the technology and business services sectors, and on those based in the north of England. Before joining CBPE, Jolyon spent six years at 3i where he worked on buyouts across Europe and North America. He had previously worked at KPMG Corporate Finance. Jolyon has a degree in Law and Accounting from the University of Manchester.
Ben Lewis
Non-Executive Director
Ben has been involved with ETL since 2020 when the business received investment funding from CBPE Capital. Ben joined CBPE in 2016 and has a particular focus on the Industrial Technology and Industrial Services sectors. Previously, Ben spent eight years working in corporate finance for DC Advisory and Harris Williams where he focused on UK and European mid-market investments. Ben has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nottingham and spent a brief period as a process engineer before pursuing his career in finance
Careers
If you’re excited about joining a team that shapes the future of global communications, visit the our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities.
Key Milestones
ETL Systems is a global technology company based in Herefordshire. We have seen impressive growth annually and have invested in a strong engineering and production/test team. Some of our major growth milestones are highlighted below.
2003
New management
7
2006
First Surface Mount Technology
(SMT) line added
2007
Won first Queen’s Award
25
2008
Second office building (C2) built
30
2009
Won second Queen’s Award
2013
US office opened
Won third Queen’s Award
71
2014
Third office building (C3) built
2017
125
2018
Won Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Chamber Business Award
2019
Acquisition of Atlantic Microwave
Investment by CBPE
140
2020
ESA DIF R&D
Project Launched
155
2021
Rickmansworth
New R&D Centre
2022
ETL opens a new production
163
2023
New CEO and COO
180
2024
Genus Digital
Launched
Testimonials
“When we include ETL products in our systems, we knew that there will be no problems and there’s no need to price in technical support as their equipment is as reliable as it gets.
ETL Systems has an exceptional research and development team, which we have worked with for years and on multiple key projects. In this instance not only were we recommending ETL’s modular frequency converters, but they were also requested by Türksat for this project. The reputation for excellent performance and reliability is now available at an even better cost point, thanks to new modular Genus technology.”
Sinan Yildiz, System Integration Engineer, Pals Electronics
“Having a standardised satellite network has made a huge impact on the manageability of that network, as well as to the consistency of quality throughout the network Infra-Com did a fantastic job of planning and executing the project and we are really pleased with the quality of the ETL products.”
Wolfgang Von Arx, Ict Architect, Swisscom
“We have already used ETL products in many projects with great success. ETL always works closely with us, pays great attention to the quality of its products, and is able to customise its solutions for varying customer requirements. This project was another great example of its commitment to providing exactly what the customer needs.”
Roland Gut, Managing Director, infra-com
Corporate Responsibility
ETL’s corporate and social responsibility is fundamental to the way that it operates. The company is continuously striving to improve its impact on employees, the wider community, and the environment, whilst upholding the highest standards of governance. Learn More
FAQs
ETL Systems is a global leader in RF (Radio Frequency) engineering, specialising in the design and manufacture of satellite communication equipment. They offer a range of products including RF distribution systems, satellite signal routing, and high-performance RF components used across various industries like broadcast, telecommunications, and defense. ETL Systems is also pioneering advancements in Digital IF (Intermediate Frequency) technology, enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of satellite communication networks.
ETL Systems offers a range of career opportunities across various disciplines including engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and support roles. We are known for fostering a dynamic work environment that values innovation and professional growth. Current openings can be found on our careers page, where we regularly update job listings and provide information on how to apply. ETL Systems also offers internship and graduate programs for those starting their careers in the RF and satellite communications industry.
ETL Systems is headquartered in Herefordshire, UK. They also operate from an office in Rickmansworth, UK, and have a US office in Washington DC, enhancing their presence in North America. Additionally, ETL Systems supports their global operations with strategically placed Sales Managers and representatives worldwide, ensuring comprehensive and localised customer support across key regions.