Lead Systems Engineer (Cloud)

Kapsch TrafficCom North America; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

11 paid holidays

401(k)

No-cost medical insurance for employee

FSA option

Job summary

Kapsch TrafficCom North America seeks a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to own end-to-end solutions across software, hardware, cloud, and third-party systems. This role leads technical direction, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and acts as the primary technical authority for tolling and mobility projects in North America.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in systems engineering, strong Azure experience, and proven client-facing communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience with cloud-based solutions, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• At least seven years in Systems Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience delivering technical presentations to customers and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Assume full technical ownership for projects from bid to deployment and handoff.
• Define system-level architecture, requirements, KPIs, and acceptance criteria.
• Lead design and integration of internal and third-party systems with traceability.
• Develop end-to-end technical solutions across hardware, software, and cloud components.
• Support proposals through requirements analysis and solution development.
• Lead technical workshops and advise customers on optimal solutions.
• Provide leadership through system development, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineering teams to ensure delivery.
• Lead cloud-based discussions and simplify complex technical concepts for customers.
• Identify risks, manage changes, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Technical leadership

Client communication

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Job description

Kapsch is one of Austria's most successful global technology companies. With its comprehensive ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) portfolio, Kapsch is actively addressing the challenges of the present and the future with intelligent mobility solutions in a wide range of application areas. As a family-owned company founded in 1892 and headquartered in Vienna, Kapsch can look back on more than 130 years of innovation and experience shaping the future of mobility. To learn more about our solutions and innovations, visit our website here.

Kapsch is seeking a highly experienced lead Systems Engineer with expertise in Microsoft Azure or other cloud platforms to serve as the technical lead for complex tolling and mobility technology projects across North America. You will take end-to-end ownership of integrated solutions spanning software, hardware, cloud technologies, and third-party systems while acting as a trusted advisor to customers and internal stakeholders.

As the lead Systems Engineer, you'll hold the highest level of technical ownership on our Systems Engineering track joining a dispersed, cross-disciplinary team of hardware, software, and electrical engineers. You'll serve as the primary technical authority across the full project lifecycle, from bid phase through delivery and operational handoff.

This is a role for someone who wants to set the technical direction for a project, model strong engineering practices, and be the face to the client — owning requirements end-to-end, and stepping in to drive the technical path forward whenever the team hits a roadblock.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Assume full technical responsibility for projects from initiation through deployment or operational handoff and act as a primary technical contact for external clients.
• Define system-level architecture, requirements, KPIs, and acceptance criteria for complex mobility and tolling solutions.
• Lead the design and integration of internal and third-party systems, ensuring traceability from concept through deployment.
• Develop end-to-end technical solutions encompassing hardware, software, and cloud-based components.
• Support proposal activities through requirements analysis, feasibility assessments, technical reviews, and solution development.
• Facilitate technical workshops and collaborate directly with customers to understand requirements, identify challenges, and recommend optimal solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout system development, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, software development teams, and operational stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Lead cloud-based solution discussions and help customers understand complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
• Identify technical risks, manage changes, resolve defects, and support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the project lifecycle.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience working with cloud-based solutions, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• At least seven years proven experience in Systems Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated success working directly with customers, delivering technical presentations, and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage ambiguity and competing priorities.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to solve complex problems that improve the daily lives of people around the world.
• Career growth, stability, and the opportunity to develop within a global organization.
• A full benefits package, including unlimited paid time off, 11 paid holidays, 401(k), a no-cost medical insurance option for employees and eligible dependents, and an FSA option.

A Note on How We Use AI

We believe hiring is a human decision. AI supports some of the operational side of our process (things like interview scheduling and coordination), but every step that matters is handled by a person. Your application will be read, your interviews will be conducted, and your offer will be made by humans who are genuinely invested in getting it right.

Applicants must have working rights in the United States and pass a background check.

Kapsch is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact our TA team. Kapsch TrafficCom is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. Kapsch TrafficCom is a drug-free workplace.