Systems Engineer - ITS/Tolling

Job Summary

The primary responsibility of a System Engineer is to support the design, integration, testing, and support of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and products, including traffic management technologies, connected vehicle solutions, and related software, hardware, and communication infrastructures. The role requires the ability to translate complex technical challenges into practical, reliable solutions that enhance roadway operations, traffic safety, and system performance.

Our client is a global leader in intelligent transportation systems, delivering advanced traffic management technology, adaptive signal control platforms, and connected infrastructure solutions to public agencies and transportation authorities worldwide. A System Engineer plays a key role in modernizing mobility by delivering system and solutions, configuration, and deployment work, while collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and public agency clients. The System Engineer also supports continuous improvement efforts, ensuring transportation technologies operate efficiently and meet evolving industry standards and user needs.

Essential Duties:

• Supports the development and integration of ITS and connected system solutions under guidance from senior engineers
• Analyzes stakeholder requirements and contributes to the definition of technical specifications
• Performs system design, integration, testing, and commissioning activities
• Applies established engineering methodologies, standards, and best practices to ensure consistent delivery
• Supports cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, and deployment teams
• Assists in preparing solution proposals with technical detail when supporting sales or pre-sales teams
• Contributes to configuration management and change control processes
• Evaluates the impact of technical changes on project scope, schedule, and quality
• Applies security practices and adheres to relevant regulatory requirements
• Troubleshoots devices, networks, and communication systems at the component or subsystem level
• Participates in deployment activities and coordinates with field teams during implementation
• Investigates technical issues, performs root-cause analysis, and implements corrective actions
• Monitors system health, identifies issues, and supports maintenance and upgrades
• Prepares technical documentation, including design details, test results, and configuration records
• Communicates technical information clearly to internal teams, vendors, and project stakeholders
• Supports customer meetings and provides technical clarifications as needed
• Conducts data analysis to support system performance evaluations and optimization efforts
• Adheres to industry standards, safety requirements, and internal engineering procedures
• Collaborates effectively in a team environment and contributes to a culture of knowledge sharing
• Other related duties as assigned

What You Will Do

• Support deployment, configuration, and tuning of adaptive traffic control systems (SCOOT, FUSION)
• Perform field validation and performance verification of signalized corridors
• Analyze and optimize signal timing behavior, detection performance, and corridor-level traffic flow
• Troubleshoot issues across controllers, cabinets, and detection, communications, and system integration layers
• Work closely with senior engineers during commissioning and system fine-tuning

What This Role Is (and Is Not)

This role is for:

• Engineers who want to work both in the office, at customer control centers, and in the field
• Individuals comfortable working across traffic engineering, hardware, and system integration

This role is not for:

• Pure software developers without traffic systems exposure
• Engineers focused solely on design without implementation or validation experience
• Engineers without exposure to the ITS industry or knowledge of traffic control

Required Background

Experience - 2-3 years of relevant experience, ideally in:

• Traffic signal systems
• ITS deployment or integration
• Construction, field operations, or system commissioning environments

Traffic systems fundamentals (critical) - Understanding of:

• Signal timing and phasing
• Intersection operations
• Corridor coordination concepts
• Traffic controller / cabinet familiarity

Traffic detection systems - Experience with at least one:

• Video detection
• Radar detection
• Hybrid detection systems

Communications - Basic familiarity with:

• NTCIP protocols
• Field device communications

Field Expectations

• Regular work in active roadway environments
• Hands-on activities including detection validation and recalibration, system troubleshooting in cabinets and field devices, and supporting commissioning/optimization activities
• Willingness to travel and work in varying conditions (day/night, weather, traffic environments)

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

• Contribute to a live corridor deployment or optimization effort
• Support detection validation and system tuning
• Identify and resolve field-level system issues
• Begin contributing to system performance improvements, not just deployment completion

What Differentiates a Strong Candidate

• Has touched real signal systems (controllers, cabinets, detection)
• Understands that system performance is proven in the field, not on paper
• Comfortable troubleshooting across traffic engineering, hardware, and communications disciplines

Core Competencies & KSAs

• Focus on Results: Delivers reliable, high-quality system solutions by meeting deadlines, maintaining performance standards, and driving successful project outcomes
• Technical Proficiency: Applies strong ITS, networking, integration, and troubleshooting expertise while effectively using engineering, documentation, and content-management tools
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to evolving technology, project requirements, and field conditions while maintaining productivity and solution continuity
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in system configuration, testing, documentation, and written deliverables to maintain technical integrity and clarity
• Customer Value Orientation: Understands client needs and operational challenges to deliver tailored solutions that enhance transportation performance and system reliability
• Communication Skills: Communicates complex technical concepts clearly; produces strategic, persuasive written content aligned with traffic-industry client expectations
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates data, system behavior, and operational issues to identify trends, diagnose root causes, and guide system improvements
• Problem-Solving: Uses structured engineering methods to resolve technical issues, integration challenges, and project obstacles efficiently
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively across engineering, project, and cross-functional teams to ensure coordinated, successful system deployment
• Strategic Writing and Persuasion: Crafts clear, compelling messages and documentation that support technical decisions and resonate with transportation-industry stakeholders
• Collaboration and Influence: Engages cross-functional contributors, drives alignment, and incorporates feedback to ensure solution quality and stakeholder buy-in
• Industry & Client Insight: Researches and applies traffic-industry trends, standards, and client pain points to guide engineering decisions and solution design
• Tool Proficiency: Demonstrates effective use of engineering tools, documentation systems, Microsoft Office, and relevant content platforms

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field
• 5+ years of working experience in this role or a similar role
• Experience working with distributed systems, networking concepts, or real-time/mission-critical systems
• Experience participating in multi-phase engineering projects (design, testing, deployment, support)
• Experience with system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and configuration activities for one or more of: connected vehicle technology, traffic signal control, advanced traffic management systems (ATMS), or network traffic control technologies
• Working knowledge of IP networking fundamentals, communication protocols, and system interfaces
• Proficiency using common industry engineering tools such as configuration management systems, simulation, test tools, or log analysis utilities
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, lifecycle management, and requirements analysis
• Familiarity with cybersecurity concepts and system hardening practices
• Strong analytical, optimization, and problem-solving skills, including root-cause investigation
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Commitment to continuous learning and adherence to established engineering standards

Preferred Qualifications

• EIT license beneficial; ability to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license within two years
• Communication Network Systems and/or Cloud Computing Certification (Cisco/AWS)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with ADA and OSHA guidelines.

• Stationary Position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time while performing office-based tasks such as working at a computer, analyzing data, or preparing documentation
• Movement / Traversal: Must be able to occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces. Occasional travel to field sites (<50% of time) may require walking across uneven terrain and accessing traffic control devices
• Operation of Equipment: Constantly operates a computer and standard office productivity machinery (e.g., printers, scanners, measurement devices). Tasks may include handling tools or diagnostic devices during field work
• Positioning / Reaching: Occasionally positions self to access low or high areas (e.g., bending or reaching to retrieve equipment or inspect components). Reaching at or below shoulder level is typical; overhead reaching may occur occasionally
• Lifting / Carrying: May occasionally lift and move equipment, laptops, or tools typically up to 25 lbs
• Communication: Must be able to communicate with team members, clients, and stakeholders through speech and written documentation
• Visual Requirements: Must be able to read screens, observe instruments, and perform detailed visual inspections when needed
• Travel: This role may travel up to 75% of the time