Principal Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing, and software systems across sectors from mobility technology to defense. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids are the primary hiring centers, where established employers like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis regularly bring on principal engineers at mid-career through senior leadership levels. The most sought-after specialties in Michigan include embedded systems, vehicle electrification, and systems architecture. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Date Posted:
2026-11-10Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-MI-REMOTEPosition Role Type:
RemoteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.Security Clearance Type:
None/Not RequiredSecurity Clearance Status:
Not RequiredAt RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
What You Will Do:
- Lead program‑level technical strategy for embedded software, including boot, board bring‑up, HAL frameworks, diagnostics.
- Apply expert knowledge to design software for complex embedded systems and provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems.
- Guide system architecture and review software designs for technical soundness, maintainability, and alignment with program goals.
- Define and improve development processes, workflows, and documentation practices across the program.
- Produce high‑quality documentation including design artifacts, test procedures, integration guides, and internal training material.
- Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, safety to ensure well‑understood, repeatable, and reliable platform behavior.
- Utilize Agile development methods, automation tools, and continuous integration pipelines to drive efficient and consistent software delivery.
Qualifications You Must Have:
- Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
- Experience with at least two of the following: embedded C development, scripting languages. (Python, Perl, etc.) to automate development or integration task, software architecture design.
- Experience developing embedded software for complex systems, including board bring‑up, diagnostics, or low‑level driver/HAL development.
- Experience developing systems involving hardware and software integration.
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Experience developing, verifying or certifying software in DO-178 B/C at high assurance levels or similar rigor.
- Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on complex tasks.
- Experience with Agile methods, CI/CD pipelines, Git‑based workflows, and automated test frameworks.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate technical intent and drive alignment across teams.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical decision‑making at a program level and evaluate multiple solution paths effectively.
What We Offer:
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Student Loan Repayment Program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages you can buy: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
- Adoption Assistance
- Autism Benefit
- Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
- Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
- Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
- Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
- Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
- And more!
Learn More & Apply Now!
At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities in more than 12 states across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team?
Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles will work primarily offsite (from home). If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role.
Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world – and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.
At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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See All 25 Principal Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Proven ability to set technical direction and mentor mid-level and senior engineers
- Deep expertise in at least one domain such as embedded systems, vehicle electrification, or systems architecture
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including product, manufacturing, and program management
- Familiarity with automotive or defense industry standards such as ASPICE, ISO 26262, or CMMI
Principal Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Michigan?
Reaching a principal engineer level in Michigan typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, followed by a decade or more of progressively responsible technical work. While Michigan does not require a state-issued license for most software or systems principal engineer roles, those working on projects affecting public safety or infrastructure may need a Professional Engineer license issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Demonstrating end-to-end technical ownership on complex programs is the most direct path to the title.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring principal engineers in Michigan right now include Oracle, Stryker, and Carhartt, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and advanced manufacturing base means demand is especially consistent at vehicle OEMs, their Tier 1 suppliers, and aerospace and defense contractors with facilities in the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Dearborn, Novi, and Troy have the most principal engineer openings in Michigan. The Detroit metro drives the largest share of postings given its concentration of automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and mobility technology firms, while Ann Arbor adds volume through its university research ecosystem and growing software and autonomous vehicle companies, and Grand Rapids contributes through its manufacturing and medical device sectors.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, though availability varies by specialty. Principal engineer roles in software, cloud infrastructure, and systems architecture are more likely to support remote or hybrid arrangements, while roles tied to vehicle testing, lab environments, or production facilities typically require on-site presence. About 75% of principal engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the strongest remote options found in software-focused positions at tech and mobility companies.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a senior or staff engineer role at a Michigan automotive or technology employer, building a record of technical ownership before stepping into principal-level work. Large Michigan employers like General Motors and Ford run rotational engineering programs and new-graduate development tracks that accelerate progression. Earning a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or completing graduate coursework at institutions like the University of Michigan, strengthens a candidate's profile considerably when competing for principal-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 25 Principal Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer Jobs