SWARCO Employee
Spotlight
Name: Matti
Position: Fast Prototyping Lead & Head of Engineering Center
Responsibilities: Developing new concepts internationally, overseeing product development across the Nordics and adapting international products to the Nordic market
One word that describes my job: Inspiring
Must-haves: Strong time and stress management skills, with the ability to maintain a strategic perspective while also paying attention to critical details. Capable of understanding challenges and opportunities from multiple viewpoints.
From Consultant to Innovation Leader: A Jack of All Trades
When Matti joined SWARCO 18 years ago, he had no idea what kind of journey lay ahead. Originally working as an external consultant, he was soon offered a permanent position. He was already a familiar face at the office back then, so the decision wasn’t a difficult one.
“My first impression was that the atmosphere was warm, and the company values were good. Since I had already seen the company from the inside as a consultant, it was an easy choice to join.”
Matti’s career has been anything but linear. He started as a project manager, moved on to become COO and Head of Development in Finland, and later transitioned into SWARCO’s Global Technology & Innovation team. Today, he leads Fast Prototyping activities and has been appointed Head of Engineering Center for the Nordics.
“You could say I’ve been a bit of a jack of all trades,” Matti smiles. “Currently, I’m responsible for developing new concepts in the international innovation team, as well as overseeing product development across the Nordics and adapting international products to the Nordic market.”
Moving Forward by Learning and Adapting
Matti has witnessed firsthand how both SWARCO and the entire ITS industry have evolved.
“When I started, cloud services didn’t even exist. Now they’re a central part of our work. I’ve grown with the company, learned a lot about different cultures, and seen how the same idea can be implemented in different ways across markets.”
His career path wasn’t planned, but it’s been a journey of continuous development.
“I never imagined it would turn out this way. When I joined SWARCO, I thought I’d focus on projects and products and wouldn’t be involved in software development anymore that much. But somehow, I ended up back in the glorious world of development - and here I am,” he laughs.
Matti’s ability to adapt and find solutions hasn’t gone unnoticed during the years. It’s no surprise, then, that he’s known by the nickname “The Last Man Standing.”
“I was given that name over the years because if a solution can’t be found elsewhere, it usually ends up coming from my desk one way or another.”
Working Across Borders
Today, Matti’s work is highly international. His teammates are based in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Italy, and cross-border collaboration is a daily routine. His schedule is filled with video meetings, and the key is always about finding common ground.
“When we have a new idea, we bring the right people to the table and move it forward. The work is a mix of technical planning and internal diplomacy, aligning different stakeholders behind a shared agenda.”
What motivates him most is the meaningfulness of the work. “What I do improves people’s quality of life. By reducing emissions and congestion, and improving safety at the same time, we help people get to work faster and safer - and breathe cleaner air. It’s very tangible.”
Ideas Turns into Global Solutions
One of the highlights of Matti’s career is the Smart Prio system, which he innovated and developed in Finland before moving into international roles. Smart Prio is a solution that connects to traffic lights and provides intelligent priority for vehicles such as buses and emergency services. It improves traffic flow, reduces emissions, and makes mobility safer and more efficient.
“It all started from my own idea, and I got to take it all the way from concept creation to final delivery.”
Today, the product is part of SWARCO’s international portfolio. “It’s a great feeling when your own vision grows into a solution that improves traffic around the world.”
Recent projects include the development of AI-based prediction algorithms and the piloting of a Digital Twin in Germany. This is a virtual model of the traffic environment that helps simulate and optimize traffic operations in real time. Other current focus areas are cybersecurity and the standardization of system interfaces.
“Every quarter, our team gathers for a so-called Fast Prototyping Week, where we dive deep into experimentation. That’s when we really make things happen.”
Sparked Instantly
Even though Matti’s role is global, the team means a lot to him.
“We have a group of highly motivated and smart people with different areas of responsibility. I appreciate how our perspectives complement each other and how we align as a team. The collaboration is really strong.”
One of his most memorable moments was his first prototyping week.
“The synergy was there from the start, and the spark was immediate. I realized right away that this was the team with whom we could achieve great things. That warm realization has stayed with me.”
When asked what sets SWARCO apart from other employers, his answer is clear: the atmosphere.
“I’m proud to work for a company with great values and a drive to innovate. Here, individuals are supported, different life situations are understood, and there’s room to grow. That means a lot.”
Solving Traffic by Day, Commentating by Night
If you happen to watch a sports stream or broadcast in the evening, you might hear a familiar voice. Matti’s hobby is sports commentary.
“I commentate on esports and motorsports, both in Finnish and English. I’ve been involved in everything from streaming platforms to major international events and traditional TV. It all started with my own background in competitive gaming and later in motorsports.”
His professional and personal interests complement each other seamlessly.
“The events are usually in the evenings or on weekends, so they don’t overlap with my job. In fact, they complement each other. Commentating has improved my public speaking and presentation skills at work, and I’ve brought insights from my professional life into esports organizations.”
Smarter Mobility for Tomorrow
So, what does the future hold?
“I definitely want to continue working in development and innovation. I want to help create new solutions that move both the company and society forward. I believe people grow in their roles as the company’s needs evolve. I’ll try to shape my career in the direction it naturally flows.”
When asked how he explains his job to a child, Matti smiles and shares what he once told his own kids: “Daddy makes traffic lights work smarter.”
Advice for Future Developers
For those interested in working in product development and innovation, Matti encourages curiosity and courage.
“Don’t just look at your own feet, or your neighbour’s. Always look a bit further ahead. Keep growing your skills and bring in influences and trends from outside the box. That’s where innovation starts.”
And above all, dare to be bold.
“If you want to develop new concepts, you must also sometimes break existing models. Speak up with your own vision. That’s how progress happens.”
Discover your possibilities.
Explore job opportunities at SWARCO.
Innovation Starts with You
If you are curious, unafraid to ask questions, and see every challenge as an opportunity to learn, the Innovation Team at SWARCO is the right place for you. Collaboration is key here, as colleagues from different disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives come together to help shape the mobility of tomorrow. A passion for technology, adaptability to change, and the courage to explore new territory are also valuable. If you want to grow – both professionally and personally – and contribute to making mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable every day, then SWARCO is exactly the right place for you.
