Systems Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Systems Development Engineer jobs in Michigan are consistently active, with demand concentrated in automotive technology, defense systems, and enterprise software across seniority levels from entry-level to principal engineer. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids anchor most of the hiring, with established employers like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Leidos maintaining deep engineering rosters in the state. The most in-demand specialties include embedded systems, cloud infrastructure automation, and DevOps toolchain development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this position...
The Exterior Lighting Engineer is a multi-disciplinary technical authority responsible for the integrity, evolution, and in-house design ownership of lighting systems. As the department shifts toward Build-to-Print (BTP) models and AI-driven engineering, this role is the primary driver of Ford’s internal technical foundation. This position bridges the gap between mechanical, electrical, software, and optical engineering. Whether focused on advanced development or application execution, the engineer is the primary lead in ensuring that lighting technologies are not only robust and manufacturable but also developed using the most advanced digital transformation tools available.
- Build-to-Print (BTP) Execution: Leading the transition from supplier-led designs to Ford-owned "Build-to-Print" applications. This includes developing detailed internal CAD, optical models, and technical data packages to ensure full ownership of the design and manufacturing specifications.
- AI-Driven Development & Efficiency: Utilizing and developing Artificial Intelligence to automate administrative and data-heavy tasks, enabling more time for high-value In-House-Design. Leverage Artificial Intelligence Generative design tools to optimize optical performance, thermal management, and structural integrity. This role is critical for implementing automated workflows that accelerate the cycle from concept to validation.
- Requirements & Design Rules: Defining and maintaining the technical specifications and global design rules that govern all lighting programs to ensure consistency and performance.
- In-House Technology Development: Driving the research and development of next-generation lighting technologies (e.g., advanced LEDs, ADB/Matrix, laser, or OLED systems) to maintain a competitive advantage.
- Regulatory Leadership: Serving as the technical lead for global compliance (FMVSS 108, ECE, etc.), ensuring that both current applications and future technologies meet stringent legal and safety requirements.
Quality Engineering and Risk Mitigation (FMA/FMEA) are essential to our technical risk management framework. This role is critical for:
- Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA): Leading the proactive identification of risks through the development and ownership of DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and supporting PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to ensure flawless manufacturing.
- Root Cause Analysis: Serving as the lead investigator for complex system failures. This requires physical teardowns, forensic analysis of field returns, and the engineering of technical countermeasures to prevent recurrence (PRAs).
- Quality & Warranty Stewardship: Owning the technical "health" of the commodity. This engineer directly impacts quality metrics and warranty spend by ensuring that design-level flaws are engineered out before they reach the customer.
Financial & Program Integrity (TVM and Delivery) Exterior lighting is one of the highest-value commodities on the vehicle. This role is essential for:
- Team Value Management (TVM): Identifying and executing technical cost-reduction strategies through BTP efficiencies, without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Leading the negotiation between Studio’s aesthetic vision, manufacturing feasibility, and purchasing targets. Without this technical lead, the balance between "styling" and "functionality" is lost, leading to costly late-stage engineering changes.
- Pre-Program Leadership: Acting as the technical authority during early-stage feasibility (Pre-PS) to ensure that aesthetic vision and engineering requirements are aligned before program kick-off.
What you'll do...
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces of Lighting components are evaluated and validated.
- Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
- Perform and/or review & sign off technical analyses of component/system functional and packaging studies such as: dimensional stackups (GD&T layouts), CAE’s, dynamic calculations and simulations, etc.
- Actively participate in the Technical Design Reviews.
- Review and sign-off CAD in Teamcenter
- Develop Lighting System documents including DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, & DVP&Rs
- Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
- Develop ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work), EC (Engineering concepts) and participate in the sourcing Process (SOBA, ED&T review, piece cost and tooling cost review.
- Identify validation, durability and functional tests required as per SDS & ES. (DVP / FEDE)
- Address issues with root cause analysis (8Ds, 3x5Why) and permanent corrective actions implementation.
- Apply knowledge of six sigma principles.
- Collaborate with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement Process.
- Deliver by applying the One Ford Behaviors.
- Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required.
- Travel to North America plants when required.
You'll have...
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in design, development, or launch of automotive lighting or similar components
- CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
- Benchmarking experience
- Integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently
- Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.
- Ability to travel domestical and international.
- Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, Power Point MS Teams, and MS Azure SharePoint.
Even better, you may have...
- Master's of Science in Engineering (Mechanical preferred).
- 7+ years of experience
- Experience in design and release of Exterior Lighting
- Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
- Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
- 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with DFMEA's, PFMEA's, and SCCAF's
- Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T
- Ability to work in a fluid environment when overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location are not always known.
- Ability to solve complex system issues and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as required.
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!
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, 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
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 5 through grade 8. Potential salaries can range from $68,300-$192,900.
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
#VehicleHardwareEngineering #LI-KH2
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
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this position...
The Exterior Lighting Engineer is a multi-disciplinary technical authority responsible for the integrity, evolution, and in-house design ownership of lighting systems. As the department shifts toward Build-to-Print (BTP) models and AI-driven engineering, this role is the primary driver of Ford’s internal technical foundation. This position bridges the gap between mechanical, electrical, software, and optical engineering. Whether focused on advanced development or application execution, the engineer is the primary lead in ensuring that lighting technologies are not only robust and manufacturable but also developed using the most advanced digital transformation tools available.
- Build-to-Print (BTP) Execution: Leading the transition from supplier-led designs to Ford-owned "Build-to-Print" applications. This includes developing detailed internal CAD, optical models, and technical data packages to ensure full ownership of the design and manufacturing specifications.
- AI-Driven Development & Efficiency: Utilizing and developing Artificial Intelligence to automate administrative and data-heavy tasks, enabling more time for high-value In-House-Design. Leverage Artificial Intelligence Generative design tools to optimize optical performance, thermal management, and structural integrity. This role is critical for implementing automated workflows that accelerate the cycle from concept to validation.
- Requirements & Design Rules: Defining and maintaining the technical specifications and global design rules that govern all lighting programs to ensure consistency and performance.
- In-House Technology Development: Driving the research and development of next-generation lighting technologies (e.g., advanced LEDs, ADB/Matrix, laser, or OLED systems) to maintain a competitive advantage.
- Regulatory Leadership: Serving as the technical lead for global compliance (FMVSS 108, ECE, etc.), ensuring that both current applications and future technologies meet stringent legal and safety requirements.
Quality Engineering and Risk Mitigation (FMA/FMEA) are essential to our technical risk management framework. This role is critical for:
- Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA): Leading the proactive identification of risks through the development and ownership of DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and supporting PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to ensure flawless manufacturing.
- Root Cause Analysis: Serving as the lead investigator for complex system failures. This requires physical teardowns, forensic analysis of field returns, and the engineering of technical countermeasures to prevent recurrence (PRAs).
- Quality & Warranty Stewardship: Owning the technical "health" of the commodity. This engineer directly impacts quality metrics and warranty spend by ensuring that design-level flaws are engineered out before they reach the customer.
Financial & Program Integrity (TVM and Delivery) Exterior lighting is one of the highest-value commodities on the vehicle. This role is essential for:
- Team Value Management (TVM): Identifying and executing technical cost-reduction strategies through BTP efficiencies, without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Leading the negotiation between Studio’s aesthetic vision, manufacturing feasibility, and purchasing targets. Without this technical lead, the balance between "styling" and "functionality" is lost, leading to costly late-stage engineering changes.
- Pre-Program Leadership: Acting as the technical authority during early-stage feasibility (Pre-PS) to ensure that aesthetic vision and engineering requirements are aligned before program kick-off.
What you'll do...
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces of Lighting components are evaluated and validated.
- Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
- Perform and/or review & sign off technical analyses of component/system functional and packaging studies such as: dimensional stackups (GD&T layouts), CAE’s, dynamic calculations and simulations, etc.
- Actively participate in the Technical Design Reviews.
- Review and sign-off CAD in Teamcenter
- Develop Lighting System documents including DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, & DVP&Rs
- Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
- Develop ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work), EC (Engineering concepts) and participate in the sourcing Process (SOBA, ED&T review, piece cost and tooling cost review.
- Identify validation, durability and functional tests required as per SDS & ES. (DVP / FEDE)
- Address issues with root cause analysis (8Ds, 3x5Why) and permanent corrective actions implementation.
- Apply knowledge of six sigma principles.
- Collaborate with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement Process.
- Deliver by applying the One Ford Behaviors.
- Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required.
- Travel to North America plants when required.
You'll have...
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in design, development, or launch of automotive lighting or similar components
- CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
- Benchmarking experience
- Integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently
- Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.
- Ability to travel domestical and international.
- Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, Power Point MS Teams, and MS Azure SharePoint.
Even better, you may have...
- Master's of Science in Engineering (Mechanical preferred).
- 7+ years of experience
- Experience in design and release of Exterior Lighting
- Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
- Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
- 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with DFMEA's, PFMEA's, and SCCAF's
- Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T
- Ability to work in a fluid environment when overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location are not always known.
- Ability to solve complex system issues and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as required.
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!
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, 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
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 5 through grade 8. Potential salaries can range from $68,300-$192,900.
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
#VehicleHardwareEngineering #LI-KH2
See All 5 Systems Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSystems Development Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Development Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems development engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Proficiency in at least one scripting or systems language such as Python, C++, or Java
- Experience designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and automated build systems
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for infrastructure work
- Strong understanding of Linux or Unix operating environments and shell scripting
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on large-scale Michigan product programs
Systems Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems development engineer in Michigan?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering is the standard starting point for systems development engineers in Michigan. No state-issued license is required for this role. Michigan employers, particularly in automotive and defense sectors, place strong value on hands-on experience with embedded systems or cloud infrastructure, so internships at Michigan technology or manufacturing firms and a demonstrable project portfolio are the most direct paths into the role.
How much do systems development engineers make in Michigan?
Systems 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 systems development engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring systems development engineers in Michigan right now include Ford Motor Company, Dematic, and Stellantis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's concentration of automotive technology and defense contractors means many of these employers seek engineers with experience in both embedded and enterprise-scale systems.
Which Michigan cities have the most systems development engineer jobs?
Dearborn, Holland, and Livonia have the most systems development engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and its suburbs drive volume through the headquarters and R&D centers of major automotive and mobility companies, while Ann Arbor draws consistent postings from university-affiliated technology ventures and established software firms that cluster around the University of Michigan's research ecosystem.
Are there remote systems development engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, and more than most fields, since systems development engineering is fundamentally desk and code-based work that translates well to remote environments. About 100% of systems development engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting broad employer acceptance of distributed engineering teams. Infrastructure automation, DevOps, and cloud platform roles tend to be the most remote-friendly within this specialty.
How can I get hired as a systems development engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is targeting associate or junior systems engineer roles at Michigan's large automotive and defense employers, where rotational new-graduate programs at companies like General Motors and Ford provide structured onboarding into engineering disciplines. Lateral moves from adjacent roles such as systems analyst, QA automation engineer, or IT infrastructure technician are also common entry points. Building a portfolio of automation scripts or a public version-controlled project, and earning a cloud associate certification, gives candidates a concrete edge in Michigan hiring processes.
Where can I find and apply to systems development engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to systems development engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings for this role. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 5 Systems Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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