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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Overview

Open roles25
Top employerOracle
Top cityDearborn, MI
Cities hiring15
Work type38% Remote
Top industryElectronics

Showing 4 of 25+ Principal Engineer jobs

Principal Software Engineer IV(Remote)
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Added 2d ago
Principal Software Engineer IV(Remote)
Collins Aerospace
Lansing, Michigan
Educational Administration
K-12 Teaching
Teaching & Instruction
$108k - $205k/yr
10,000+

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Principal Embedded Software Engineer - FPGA
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Added 3d ago
Principal Embedded Software Engineer - FPGA
Stryker
Portage, Michigan
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Technical Program Management
$136k - $226k/yr
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
10,000+

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Cloud Computing Engineer Principal
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Added 3d ago
Cloud Computing Engineer Principal
Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Automation QA
Engineering (Non-Software)
$110k - $127k/yr
Remote (US)
Bachelor's degree in systems engineering

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Principal Mechanical Engineer
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Added 1w ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Invio Automation
Lansing, Michigan
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Consulting & Professional Services
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
501-1,000

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Principal Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan

Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Dearborn
3 jobs
Novi
2 jobs
Troy
2 jobs
Warren
2 jobs
Detroit
2 jobs
Lansing
2 jobs
Kalamazoo
2 jobs
Grand Rapids
2 jobs
Saline
1 job

Principal Engineer Job Market in Michigan

A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Oracle2 open roles
Stryker2 open roles
Carhartt2 open roles

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.

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