Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Staff Software Engineer jobs in Michigan are concentrated in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, where companies like Ford, General Motors, and Rocket Companies maintain large engineering organizations and actively recruit at the senior individual-contributor level. The most in-demand specialties include embedded and automotive software, distributed systems, and cloud-native platform engineering, reflecting Michigan's deep roots in automotive technology and its growing fintech sector. Competition is strong, and candidates with production-scale system design experience consistently move through hiring pipelines faster than generalist applicants. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Description Summary
Responsible for designing , developing and testing Embedded Software (Firmware), platforms and systems that control and runs on devices that need to be tailored to the needs of the hardware that it has to control and run on (i.e. directly controls the real time functions of a physical device such as motors, alternators, engines, valves, fans, and other devices and products). Typically requires a deep understanding of the characteristics of the physical device being controlled, the realtime functions it is expected to perform and the ability to design, develop, implement, and test the logic and software required to realize the realtime functionality. Usually tailored for products and services across various P&Ls. Impacts approaches, projects and programs in the functional area or affected business organization and ways of working. Impacts quality, efficiency and effectiveness of own team. Has significant input into priorities. Guided by professional practices and policies that are shaped by the role. The role has moderate autonomy, requiring high levels of operational judgment.The location for this position is Grand Rapids, MI on at least a hybrid basis (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office) : An extensive corporate relocation package is also available for eligible candidates.
Job Description
Role and Responsibilities:
Architect and develop modules, components, features, or entire embedded software products. This includes areas such as networks, operating systems, cybersecurity, databases, or applications.
Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, tools, and processes to enhance project outcomes.
Drive productivity improvements by identifying and implementing best practices across multi-disciplined teams.
Develop and use Trade-Studies to help guide choices in emerging technology that will provide the best outcomes.
Analyze and resolve complex problems with a proven track record of achieving cost/schedule targets. Propose solutions outside of set parameters with guidance, utilizing technical skills and analytic thinking.
Mentor technical teams throughout the software development life cycle including all DO-178C activities.
Serve as an individual contributor with exceptional people skills, capable of developing talent. Provide guidance to new team members.
Work in an agile/scum environment as a technical resource.
Technical Skills:
Experience with embedded software development tools and environments (e.g., debuggers, emulators, compilers).
Knowledge of hardware-software integration and experience with microcontrollers, microprocessors, and FPGA-based systems.
Familiarity with communication protocols (e.g., CAN, ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553).
Mastery of software development lifecycle and methodologies (e.g., Agile, V-Model).
Proficiency in programming languages such as C, Ada, and scripting languages.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in development of embedded software.
5+ years of experience working on DO-178C Software Level A-C programs.
Proficiency with the CAMEO Enterprise Architect Tool.
Proficiency with Model Based Design (MBD) for software architecture, requirements, design, and Test of real-time systems.
The location for this position is Grand Rapids, MI. An extensive corporate relocation package is also available for eligible candidates.
Eligibility Requirement (s):
This position requires U.S. citizenship status.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with ARINC 653 compliant operating systems.
Familiarity with MISRA C coding standards.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with ability to influence product leadership and technology strategy.
Familiarity with computing platforms, network products, real-time operating systems, and multi-core processor architectures.
Demonstrated ability to meet cost/schedule targets and effectively interface with multiple disciplines (Hardware/Software/Systems and Test Systems Engineering).
At GE Aerospace, we have a relentless dedication to the future of safe and more sustainable flight and believe in our talented people to make it happen. Here, you will have the opportunity to work on really cool things with really smart and collaborative people. Together, we will mobilize a new era of growth in aerospace and defense. Where others stop, we accelerate.
The base pay range for this position is $130,000.00 - $173,000.00 USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 9/30/2026.
GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.
GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
#LI-KS1
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional Information
GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
See All 16 Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Staff Software Engineer JobsStaff Software Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Staff Software 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
- Banking & Financial Services
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in staff software engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field
- Seven or more years of professional software engineering experience, including senior or lead roles
- Deep proficiency in at least one systems or backend language such as Java, C++, Go, or Python
- Demonstrated experience designing and scaling distributed systems or large-scale microservices architectures
- Ability to lead technical design reviews, mentor engineers, and drive cross-team technical decisions
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP and modern CI/CD tooling
Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a staff software engineer in Michigan?
Reaching the staff software engineer level in Michigan typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or a directly related field, followed by several years of increasingly senior engineering work. Michigan does not require a state-issued license to practice software engineering. Employers in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids expect candidates to show a history of technical leadership, system-level ownership, and cross-functional influence rather than a specific credential.
How much do staff software engineers make in Michigan?
Staff software 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 staff software engineers in Michigan?
Michigan staff software engineer roles are posted by General Motors (GM), Stryker, and General Motors and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's automotive and mobility sector, anchored by large OEM and supplier engineering centers in the Detroit metro area, accounts for a substantial share of staff-level openings alongside fintech and enterprise software companies headquartered in the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most staff software engineer jobs?
Warren, Michigan, and Detroit lead Michigan for staff software engineer openings. Detroit and its surrounding suburbs drive the largest share of postings because of the dense concentration of automotive OEMs, tier-one suppliers, and mobility startups there, while Ann Arbor draws heavily from its university research ecosystem and the technology companies that have clustered around it, and Grand Rapids reflects a growing mid-market enterprise tech presence in west Michigan.
Are there remote staff software engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 67% of staff software engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how well senior engineering work translates to distributed environments. Platform, cloud infrastructure, and backend architecture roles tend to see the highest share of fully remote postings, while embedded systems and automotive software roles are more likely to require on-site access to hardware labs or vehicle test facilities.
How can I get hired as a staff software engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic path without experience is an entry-level software engineer role at a Michigan-based employer that runs structured new-graduate programs, such as the rotational engineering programs at Ford, General Motors, or Rocket Companies, which give junior engineers exposure to multiple product areas and a clear progression track. From there, lateral moves into platform or infrastructure teams, or earning cloud certifications from AWS or Google, can accelerate advancement toward staff-level scope and recognition.
Where can I find and apply to staff software engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to staff software engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, technical background, and preferred location or remote arrangement, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 16 Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan
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