Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Software Systems Engineer jobs in Michigan are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive technology, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing automation, with openings at every level from early-career engineers to senior architects. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids anchor the hiring market, where established employers like General Motors, L3Harris Technologies, and Bosch have long maintained deep engineering workforces. Systems integration, embedded software, and model-based design are the most sought-after specialties across Michigan listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
In this position...
As a member of the Systems Engineering team for Vehicle Software Updates, you will serve as a technical linchpin, driving the end-to-end delivery of robust software releasing solutions across multiple deployment environments. You will be responsible for the architectural integrity of the system, from initial requirement decomposition to final vehicle validation and field support.
What you'll do...
- Provide technical leadership throughout the Vehicle Software Update delivery cycle, ensuring all milestones are met with high-quality engineering standards
- Own the system-level design and define the overarching architecture. Decompose high-level requirements into logical component responsibilities and define precise integration points between vehicle nodes and cloud components
- Author, release and manage detailed technical specifications in JAMA, ensuring a "single source of truth" for the system
- Communicate and explain complex requirements to partners, including D&R engineers, suppliers, Cloud Operations and Systems teams
- Perform early-stage bring-up and prototype proofs-of-concept (PoCs) to support incremental sprint deliveries and validate design assumptions
- Sign off on the correctness and completeness of test plans, demonstrating ultimate accountability for the solution
- Conduct physical vehicle testing using CAN, Ethernet and other diagnostic tools to verify software update functionality
- Monitor requirement fulfillment and track deviations throughout development
- Lead issue triaging and provide expert support to downstream teams, including conformance, system and service testers, and field deployment teams
- Analyze complex system failures to identify root causes. Define and implement resolution and prevention strategies
- Facilitate and participate in Technical Design Reviews (TDRs), project meetings and high-level presentations for business and technical audiences
You'll have...
- Bachelors Degree in Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in system-level design within complex environments
- At least 2 years of direct experience with software release processes for vehicles (OTA, Service or Manufacturing) or networked embedded systems
- At least 2 years of direct experience with developer operations pipelines, software release management processes and/or embedded software deployment systems
Even better, you may have...
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
- Deep familiarity with modern software development practices
- Proven ability to systematically resolve complex technical issues under pressure
- Understanding of software engineering best practices, including coding standards, source control management (Git), build processes and full-lifecycle testing and operations
- At least 2 years of experience with automotive communication protocols, specifically CAN and Ethernet
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-AC4
See All 7 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan
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Find JobsSoftware Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Systems Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software systems engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in systems engineering methodologies including requirements analysis, design, and verification
- Experience with embedded systems, real-time operating systems, or model-based development tools such as MATLAB or Simulink
- Familiarity with automotive or defense standards such as AUTOSAR, DO-178C, or ISO 26262 depending on the sector
- Strong command of programming languages commonly used in Michigan industry including C, C++, or Python
- Ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance, required by several Michigan defense and government contractors
Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software systems engineer in Michigan?
Most software systems engineer roles in Michigan require a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering as the foundation for entry. Michigan does not mandate a state-issued license specifically for software systems engineers, though engineers who take on broader professional engineering responsibilities can pursue licensure through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Gaining experience with automotive or defense tools common in Michigan and earning industry certifications in systems engineering strengthens candidacy considerably.
How much do software systems engineers make in Michigan?
Software systems 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 software systems engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring software systems engineers in Michigan right now include Ford Motor Company, KLA, and Stellantis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's concentration of automotive technology, defense contractors, and advanced manufacturing firms means hiring is steady and draws on a specialized engineering talent pool that sets it apart from most other states.
Which Michigan cities have the most software systems engineer jobs?
Dearborn, Auburn Hills, and Detroit have the most software systems engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and its surrounding metro drive the largest share of listings through the headquarters and engineering centers of automotive and mobility technology companies, while Ann Arbor's concentration of university-connected tech firms and defense research operations, along with Grand Rapids' growing advanced manufacturing sector, account for a significant share of the remaining openings.
Are there remote software systems engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 67% of software systems engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of much of the work. Roles focused on software architecture, requirements analysis, and model-based design tend to be the most remote-accessible, while positions requiring lab testing, hardware integration, or access to secure government facilities remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get hired as a software systems engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a junior or associate systems engineer role through the structured new-graduate programs that Michigan's large automotive and defense employers run each hiring cycle. Companies like General Motors and Bosch recruit engineering graduates directly from Michigan universities for rotational engineering programs that include systems work. Building a portfolio of personal or university projects using tools like MATLAB, Simulink, or embedded C, and pursuing a Certified Systems Engineering Professional associate credential, gives early-career candidates a clear edge in Michigan's competitive applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across automotive, defense, and technology employers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 7 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan
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