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First Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - First Class

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$37.18/hr

Engineer - First Class Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Engineer - First Class at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university ...

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First Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$34K

$88.7K

$119.8K

How much do first engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for first engineer in Michigan is $88,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFirst EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; may require licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, or project sites; often involved in overseeing initial phases of projectsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, or R&D labs; focused on design, analysis, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, or heavy industry; used for lead or senior roles in project initiationManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors; common for design and development roles

First Engineers typically oversee early project phases and require experience in project management, while Mechanical Engineers focus on design, analysis, and testing within manufacturing or R&D environments. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How to get a first engineer job?

To secure a first engineer position, candidates should develop relevant technical skills through education or training, build a portfolio of projects, and gain practical experience via internships or entry-level roles. Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency with engineering tools, and effective communication are also important for success in the hiring process.

What do beginner first engineers do?

Beginner first engineers typically assist with basic tasks such as troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often work under supervision, learn industry tools and safety protocols, and focus on gaining practical experience in engineering environments.

What does a first engineer do?

A first engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in design, development, and testing of engineering projects. They often perform routine tasks, follow technical instructions, and work under supervision to gain experience and develop skills in their field.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for First Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most First Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various First Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,687 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Embedded Cyber Security Engineer with Security Clearance

Grand Rapids, MI โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Here is a neutralized and re-energized version of the job description. Iโ€™ve shifted the focus from specific aerospace branding to general High-Criticality Embedded Systems, which keeps the technical requirements intact while masking the specific client identity. Senior Embedded Product Security Engineer
Role Summary
We are seeking a high-caliber Senior Product Security Engineer to join our specialized engineering team. In this role, you will act as the primary security architect and "evangelist" for a diverse portfolio of sophisticated embedded systems. You will collaborate directly with cross-functional development teams to lead threat modeling, conduct deep-dive architecture reviews, and validate security designs for mission-critical hardware and software. The ideal candidate is a security-first engineer who thrives on solving complex vulnerabilities and can mentor development teams in the fine art of secure product lifecycles. Core Responsibilities
Security Architecture & Design: Analyze complex product architectures to identify vulnerabilities, define threat vectors, and qualitatively assess risk for high-stakes environments. Tactical Execution: Lead Threat Modeling (STRIDE/PASTA) and Architecture Risk Analysis (ARA) on next-generation embedded products. Offensive & Defensive Testing: Audit and exploit systems under development to expose weaknesses; demonstrate proof-of-concept fixes to engineering leads. Mentorship & Coaching: Guide developers in implementing advanced cryptography (PKI, Code Signing, TPM) and secure coding standards. Lifecycle Management: Manage security requirements from initial concept through regulatory certification and continued airworthiness/reliability. Vulnerability Response: Lead the analysis and validation of CVE patches and provide rapid response for security incidents reported in the field. Process Innovation: Drive the adoption of innovative secure-by-design methods across the engineering organization. Minimum Qualifications
Education/Experience: * Bachelorโ€™s degree + 5 years of professional experience OR * Associate degree + 8 years of professional experience OR * High School Diploma + 10 years of professional experience. Technical Base: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience specifically within embedded systems and applications. Clearance: Must possess or be eligible to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. Work Authorization: Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future. Travel: Ability to travel up to 5% as required. Technical Skills & Desired Characteristics
Coding Proficiency: Strong skills in at least one major embedded language Security Tooling: Experience conducting static/dynamic code reviews (SAST/DAST) and applying penetration testing principles. Framework Knowledge: Familiarity with high-assurance risk control frameworks (e.g., DO-326A, NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, or DoD RMF). Hardware Security: Solid understanding of hardware-level security, including Secure Boot, Encryption at rest/transit, and Trusted Platform Modules (TPM). Applied Cryptography: Deep knowledge of symmetric/asymmetric cryptography, authentication protocols, and digital signatures. Communication: Proven ability to translate complex security risks into actionable technical requirements for non-security peers.