Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Senior Software Development Engineer jobs in Michigan are active across the state's robust automotive technology, defense contracting, and enterprise software sectors, with demand running from mid-level engineers through distinguished staff and principal engineers. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids anchor the heaviest hiring, where employers like Ford, General Motors, and Bosch have deep engineering footprints and ongoing need for senior-level talent. The most sought-after specialties in Michigan listings include embedded systems, cloud-native architecture, and full-stack platform development tied to connected vehicle and manufacturing software. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 59+ Senior Software Development Engineer jobs
Research Engineer – Software Developer
Department: Michigan Tech Rsrch Institute(MTRI)
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Michigan Tech Research Institute (Ann Arbor, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Engineering, Research
Applications Close:
Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
2. Support data management for remote sensing projects through the design and maintenance of scientific databases.
3. Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
4. Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
5. Recommend software solutions by comparing pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf alternatives.
6. Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
7. Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
8. Continue to improve performance by being aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.
9. Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to new and varied requests.
10. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
11. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
2. Coursework or experience using software development tools, including revision control systems, containerization, and virtual environments.
3. Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
4. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
5. Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-based operating system.
2. Experience with image processing, sensors, and/or signal processing.
3. Basic knowledge of one or more of the following: statistics, database design and maintenance, UI design and development, CI/CD pipelines, ROS (Robotic Operating System), geospatial data formats and processing (GDAL or similar), command line Unix tools.
4. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to perform research, solve technical problems, and/or develop software tools.
5. Experience using cloud-based computing systems.
6. Experience leading software development tasks and coordinating teams of junior software developers.
2. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
3. Ability to take direction, but work without continuous oversight.
4. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement with respect to significant matters related to job duties.
5. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
6. Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.
2. Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas at meetings and symposia.
3. Ability to contribute to competitive grant proposals.
4. Ability to develop software without use of AI-assisted coding tools.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
- Employee Safety Overview
- Annual Data Security Training
- Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
- Annual Title IX Training
Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
Internal & External
Yes
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Advertised: 12 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:
Research Engineer – Software Developer
Department: Michigan Tech Rsrch Institute(MTRI)
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Michigan Tech Research Institute (Ann Arbor, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Engineering, Research
Applications Close:
Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
2. Support data management for remote sensing projects through the design and maintenance of scientific databases.
3. Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
4. Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
5. Recommend software solutions by comparing pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf alternatives.
6. Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
7. Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
8. Continue to improve performance by being aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.
9. Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to new and varied requests.
10. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
11. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
2. Coursework or experience using software development tools, including revision control systems, containerization, and virtual environments.
3. Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
4. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
5. Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-based operating system.
2. Experience with image processing, sensors, and/or signal processing.
3. Basic knowledge of one or more of the following: statistics, database design and maintenance, UI design and development, CI/CD pipelines, ROS (Robotic Operating System), geospatial data formats and processing (GDAL or similar), command line Unix tools.
4. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to perform research, solve technical problems, and/or develop software tools.
5. Experience using cloud-based computing systems.
6. Experience leading software development tasks and coordinating teams of junior software developers.
2. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
3. Ability to take direction, but work without continuous oversight.
4. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement with respect to significant matters related to job duties.
5. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
6. Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.
2. Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas at meetings and symposia.
3. Ability to contribute to competitive grant proposals.
4. Ability to develop software without use of AI-assisted coding tools.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
- Employee Safety Overview
- Annual Data Security Training
- Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
- Annual Title IX Training
Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
Internal & External
Yes
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Advertised: 12 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:
See All 59 Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Software Development Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Software Development Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- General Motors (GM)12
- General Motors5
- Speechify4
- Ford Motor Company4
- Stryker3
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Electronics & Hardware
- Banking & Financial Services
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior software development engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Seven or more years of professional software development experience with demonstrated leadership on complex systems
- Deep proficiency in at least one compiled or systems language such as C++, Java, or Rust
- Proven experience designing and delivering distributed systems, microservices, or large-scale cloud platforms
- Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading technical design reviews within cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with automotive, manufacturing, or defense software standards such as AUTOSAR, MISRA, or DO-178 is strongly preferred in Michigan roles
Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior software development engineer in Michigan?
Software development engineering in Michigan requires no state-issued license, so the path runs through education and experience. Most Michigan employers expect a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering, with a master's preferred at larger automotive and defense contractors. From there, engineers typically spend several years in mid-level roles building systems experience before being considered for senior positions. Strong candidates in Michigan often specialize in embedded or automotive software, which accelerates advancement at the state's dominant employers.
How much do senior software development engineers make in Michigan?
Senior software development engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $125,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,930 for the lowest 10% to over $166,510 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior software development engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring senior software development engineers in Michigan right now include General Motors (GM), General Motors, and Speechify, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's automotive and mobility technology industry drives a large share of demand, meaning many of the most active employers are either OEMs or the large supplier and technology firms that support them.
Which Michigan cities have the most senior software development engineer jobs?
Warren, Milford, and Ann Arbor account for the most senior software development engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and its surrounding suburbs lead because of the concentration of automotive OEMs and their technology divisions, while Ann Arbor draws significant hiring through its university research ecosystem and the software-focused mobility and defense firms that cluster around it.
Are there remote senior software development engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 55% of senior software development engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the work can be done entirely in a development environment. The roles most likely to allow full remote are those in cloud platform engineering, backend services, and enterprise software, while embedded systems and automotive safety-critical work typically requires at least some on-site collaboration.
How can I get hired as a senior software development engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing an associate or junior software engineer role at one of Michigan's large automotive or technology employers, then building toward senior standing internally. Ford, General Motors, and Bosch all run structured new-graduate and rotational engineering programs that place candidates without industry experience into real product teams. Adjacent roles like software QA engineer, embedded test engineer, or DevOps associate give candidates a foot in the door. Building a portfolio that demonstrates systems thinking, and earning cloud certifications from major providers, strengthens any application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to senior software development engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to senior software development engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 59 Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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