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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Systems Software Engineer I
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Systems Software Engineer I at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Basic Purpose:
Positions in the Systems Software Engineer job family are responsible for evaluating, selecting, installing, and maintaining enterprise operating systems and technical applications for assigned platforms including enterprise servers and networks and for serving as a technical resource on enterprise hardware issues. Incumbents interact with technical and business customers to provide training and expertise in the design of specific applications to ensure the optimization of the platforms or technologies involved. The focus of work is on the efficient operation of enterprise operating platforms to support customer applications and the effective use of hardware and operating software in new or enhanced applications.
Essential Functions:
The functions within the job family will vary by level and specific assignment but will include the
following:
- Evaluate, install, customize, configure, and maintain enterprise operating systems including installing and testing new releases;
- Evaluate operating efficiency, analyze performance and tuning, and assist in capacity planning and DASD management;
- Analyze and troubleshoot operating problems to find problem areas and make fixes or work with the vendor for correction;
- Advise technical staff in complex applications development to assist in avoiding problems of incompatibility with software capabilities;
- Document changes to system functions and/or configurations for technical and customer reference; and
- Review and evaluate new or upgraded systems software packages and related hardware and make recommendations based on established standards.
Comments (Level Descriptions):
The Systems Software Engineer family has four levels:
Systems Software Engineer I
This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their basic skills and expertise, typically with a specific operating system and platform. They perform routine assignments to complete system change and modification requests and assist higher level staff in all aspects of maintaining, updating, documenting, and monitoring the operating systems. Incumbents also provide continuing support for their assigned operating system, trouble-shooting and resolving common immediate problems. Work is assigned to provide a broader knowledge of the technology supported and to develop a high level of creative problem-solving in preparation for qualification at the next level of the family.
Systems Software Engineer II
This is the career level where incumbents are fully knowledgeable in the operating system and platform supported and work as a part of a team to develop or install new systems software or supporting applications. The emphasis at this level is the incumbent’s ability to identify and resolve all but the most unusual operating systems problems quickly and with dispatch. While at this level, incumbents are increasing their knowledge and expertise in a complex operating system and platform or are expanding
their capabilities in a second technology. They may also have specific assignments in areas such as performance tuning, security, disaster recovery, and the like to broaden their overall knowledge of their assigned technology.
Senior Systems Software Engineer
This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specialized knowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex system or multiple, less complex systems. Incumbents have primary accountability for the installation, maintenance, and operating efficiency of their assigned systems. They work with a high degree of independence, providing technical leadership and work review for less experienced staff. Individuals at this level are able to identify and resolve the
most complex system-related problems and deal directly with key vendor service representatives. Their work is characterized by the rapid application of technical knowledge to increase the efficiency and operation of the platform(s) supported. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for their assigned system serving as third-tier support for operating problems and technical consultant on complex applications development projects. They are key members of project teams for enterprise applications involving their assigned system.
Lead Systems Software Engineer
This is the leadership level where incumbents are recognized experts in a complex operating system and related areas such as network or database applications. Incumbents lead projects for major upgrades or installations, providing technical guidance and work direction to technical staff and ensuring that projects are completed smoothly and on time. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for an enterprise-wide system, assisting in technology planning and serving as a technical consultant on
enterprise applications development project teams. They may also have formal leadership responsibilities for enterprise-wide functions such as security, disaster recovery, and the like.
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the specific operating systems, networks, and/or platforms supported;
- Understanding of the hardware supported including mainframe, servers, workstations, peripheral devices, and the like;
- Skill in the use of operating system software, companion software, utilities, and the like;
- High level skill in identifying and resolving technical problems and/or effectively communicating the problems to vendor representatives; and
- Ability to analyze complex operating problems, working independently until the problem is
- Knowledge of operating systems software, platforms, and computer operations typically acquired through an undergraduate program in Computer Science with an emphasis on systems software or the equivalent and one to two years of related experience; and
- Specific knowledge and experience in at least one related platform and operating system
Preferred qualifications:
-Familiarity with WheatStone WheatNet, WheatStream/StreamBlade and WheatStone Navigator -Comrex and ZIPone remote audio equipment -Enco Programs such as Digital Audio Driver, Cutserver, and NewDB -AOIP equipment and software management -Basic audio editing software (Adobe Audition and Audacity)
School/College/Division:
H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services
Primary department:
H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Hourly rate:
- Salary minimum:
- Salary hire maximum: $78,841
Working conditions:
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
- Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
See All 12 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
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Logistics & Supply Chain
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, Stellantis, and Latitude AI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Detroit, Dearborn, and Milford 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 August 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 12 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan
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