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.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8+ Systems Development Engineer jobs
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.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
In this position...
We are seeking a Resolution-Focused Quality Engineer to lead the rapid elimination of powertrain controls and calibration-related technical issues. In this role, you will move beyond data observation to own the end-to-end solution. You will serve as the primary driver between Quality, Product Development, and Calibration teams to ensure field issues are contained, resolved, and prevented from recurring in future programs.
This role is a critical bridge within the engineering organization. You will lead cross-functional task forces to navigate complex technical challenges and push engineering fixes through to production and the field. The ideal candidate is a proactive "fixer" with a technical background in Powertrain Systems (ICE, Electrified/xEV, Transmission, or Driveline) and Diagnostics who possesses the influence to drive action and improve customer satisfaction.
What you'll do...
- Drive End-to-End Resolution: Lead the lifecycle of top powertrain controls and calibration concerns, managing the process from initial field detection to verified implementation of the fix.
- Lead Technical Task Forces: Orchestrate cross-functional "war rooms" and rapid-response teams to define root causes and execute corrective actions for hardware, software, or calibration concerns.
- Influence Engineering Priorities: Negotiate with engineering and calibration departments by presenting data-backed technical business cases that demand immediate resolution action.
- Project Manage Field Fixes: Manage the rollout of software updates and service calibrations, ensuring that Service, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams are aligned to meet aggressive resolution timelines.
- Verify Solution Effectiveness: Track post-implementation performance in the field to ensure the "fix" successfully resolved the customer concern without introducing secondary failure modes.
- Orchestrate Service Documentation: Lead the development of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and service instructions to ensure dealership and field technicians can resolve issues efficiently.
- Enforce Prevent Reoccurrence (PR): Document lessons learned and capture technical data to ensure failure modes are integrated into future design rules and "best practice" calibration sets.
- Manufacturing & Launch Support: Drive timely resolution for launch-critical quality issues involving system functionality or diagnostic calibrations at the assembly plant.
You'll have...
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or equivalent) or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in powertrain calibration and emissions validation
- 3+ years of experience in an automotive engineering role with a focus on technical problem-solving (e.g., Quality, Systems Engineering, or Calibration).
- Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis investigations using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, or Red X).
- Proven ability to drive results in a matrixed environment where you must influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Working knowledge of powertrain calibration delivery, vehicle-level data acquisition, or diagnostic monitor functionality.
- The Engineer will be responsible for using CAD to support quality investigations and issue resolution. This roll also requires the usage of six sigma resolution techniques like DMIAC.
- Valid Driver’s License (to support vehicle-level data collection or testing as needed).
- Please Note: This role is currently posted under the IPTSE - ICE Propulsion Thermal Systems Engineering group, after onboarding this role will be transferred to the VPSE - Vehicle Propulsion Systems Engineering group.
Even better, if you have …
Preferred
- Bias for Action: A track record of significantly reducing "Time-to-Fix" metrics for complex technical issues.
- Quality Certification: Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Project Management Skills: Experience leading "Tiger Teams" or using project management tools (e.g., Jira, ADO) to track issue resolution progress.
- Technical Toolset: Proficiency with vehicle networking tools (e.g., CANalyzer, INCA, or PUMA) and enterprise quality management systems.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of global emissions and On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulatory requirements.
- Communication Excellence: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical failures into clear, actionable executive summaries for senior leadership
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
- 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 7 and 8 and ranges from $86,600-$166,200.
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. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#VehicleHardwareEngineering
#LI-JT1
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.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
In this position...
We are seeking a Resolution-Focused Quality Engineer to lead the rapid elimination of powertrain controls and calibration-related technical issues. In this role, you will move beyond data observation to own the end-to-end solution. You will serve as the primary driver between Quality, Product Development, and Calibration teams to ensure field issues are contained, resolved, and prevented from recurring in future programs.
This role is a critical bridge within the engineering organization. You will lead cross-functional task forces to navigate complex technical challenges and push engineering fixes through to production and the field. The ideal candidate is a proactive "fixer" with a technical background in Powertrain Systems (ICE, Electrified/xEV, Transmission, or Driveline) and Diagnostics who possesses the influence to drive action and improve customer satisfaction.
What you'll do...
- Drive End-to-End Resolution: Lead the lifecycle of top powertrain controls and calibration concerns, managing the process from initial field detection to verified implementation of the fix.
- Lead Technical Task Forces: Orchestrate cross-functional "war rooms" and rapid-response teams to define root causes and execute corrective actions for hardware, software, or calibration concerns.
- Influence Engineering Priorities: Negotiate with engineering and calibration departments by presenting data-backed technical business cases that demand immediate resolution action.
- Project Manage Field Fixes: Manage the rollout of software updates and service calibrations, ensuring that Service, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams are aligned to meet aggressive resolution timelines.
- Verify Solution Effectiveness: Track post-implementation performance in the field to ensure the "fix" successfully resolved the customer concern without introducing secondary failure modes.
- Orchestrate Service Documentation: Lead the development of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and service instructions to ensure dealership and field technicians can resolve issues efficiently.
- Enforce Prevent Reoccurrence (PR): Document lessons learned and capture technical data to ensure failure modes are integrated into future design rules and "best practice" calibration sets.
- Manufacturing & Launch Support: Drive timely resolution for launch-critical quality issues involving system functionality or diagnostic calibrations at the assembly plant.
You'll have...
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or equivalent) or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in powertrain calibration and emissions validation
- 3+ years of experience in an automotive engineering role with a focus on technical problem-solving (e.g., Quality, Systems Engineering, or Calibration).
- Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis investigations using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, or Red X).
- Proven ability to drive results in a matrixed environment where you must influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Working knowledge of powertrain calibration delivery, vehicle-level data acquisition, or diagnostic monitor functionality.
- The Engineer will be responsible for using CAD to support quality investigations and issue resolution. This roll also requires the usage of six sigma resolution techniques like DMIAC.
- Valid Driver’s License (to support vehicle-level data collection or testing as needed).
- Please Note: This role is currently posted under the IPTSE - ICE Propulsion Thermal Systems Engineering group, after onboarding this role will be transferred to the VPSE - Vehicle Propulsion Systems Engineering group.
Even better, if you have …
Preferred
- Bias for Action: A track record of significantly reducing "Time-to-Fix" metrics for complex technical issues.
- Quality Certification: Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Project Management Skills: Experience leading "Tiger Teams" or using project management tools (e.g., Jira, ADO) to track issue resolution progress.
- Technical Toolset: Proficiency with vehicle networking tools (e.g., CANalyzer, INCA, or PUMA) and enterprise quality management systems.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of global emissions and On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulatory requirements.
- Communication Excellence: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical failures into clear, actionable executive summaries for senior leadership
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
- 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 7 and 8 and ranges from $86,600-$166,200.
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. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#VehicleHardwareEngineering
#LI-JT1
See All 8 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, Adapt Technology, and General Motors (GM), based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Pontiac, and Saline 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 67% of systems development engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of September 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 8 Systems Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs