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Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Software Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to design and deliver modern software systems. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, guiding engineering teams while building ...

Lead Software Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to design and deliver modern software systems. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, guiding engineering teams while building ...

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to design and deliver modern software systems. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, guiding engineering teams while building ...

Senior Defense Software Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Lead software engineering team to architect, design, develop, test, and deploy software and software systems, including embedded controllers, user interfaces, diagnostics, communications gateways ...

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Lead Software Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$72.3K

$127.2K

$172.6K

How much do lead software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software engineer in Michigan is $127,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $146,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Lead Software Engineers and senior technical roles in high-demand industries such as finance, technology, and consulting can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or machine learning, and often require leadership responsibilities and specialized certifications.

What are Lead Software Engineers?

Lead Software Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing software development teams and guiding the technical direction of projects. They combine strong programming skills with leadership abilities, ensuring that software solutions are designed, developed, and maintained according to best practices and business requirements. Lead Software Engineers mentor junior team members, coordinate tasks, and often collaborate with other departments to deliver high-quality products on time. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between technical teams and management, ensuring both technical excellence and alignment with organizational goals.

What is a lead software engineer?

A lead software engineer is a senior technical role responsible for guiding the development team, designing software solutions, and ensuring project quality. They often coordinate tasks, review code, and collaborate with stakeholders, requiring strong technical skills and leadership abilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Lead Software Engineer or senior technical roles in high-paying industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options or bonuses. Such compensation is typically found in large tech companies, investment firms, or startups with significant funding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Software Engineer, you need advanced programming expertise, software architecture knowledge, and a degree in computer science or a related field, often supplemented by experience in leading development teams. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is typically expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for mentoring developers and managing projects. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, high-quality code, and effective team collaboration in complex technical environments.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Lead software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level often requires seniority, advanced technical expertise, and sometimes leadership roles or executive compensation packages.

How does a Lead Software Engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership and mentoring responsibilities?

As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll find that your role involves a dynamic mix of technical work and team leadership. While you'll still contribute directly to codebases—often tackling complex or critical components—you'll also spend significant time guiding junior engineers, conducting code reviews, and facilitating technical discussions. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and communication skills, as well as the ability to delegate effectively. The role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction while fostering team growth and collaboration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Software Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Lead Software Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lead Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Lead Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Lead Software Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,157 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Lead Software Engineer

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

NO SUBCONTRACTS, C2C or 1099 applicants. W2 candidates only.

Custom Business Solutions, a Michigan-based talent agency, is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer for a hybrid workplace opportunity in metro Detroit, Michigan. Qualified candidates submitting an application will be considered for this contract opportunity.

The Lead Software Engineer will provide hands-on technical leadership for a mission-critical enterprise application platform. The ideal candidate is a senior-level engineer who enjoys coding, mentoring developers, improving engineering practices, and building scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions. This position is highly technical, with 75%+ of time dedicated to hands-on software development.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • 8+ years of software engineering experience developing enterprise applications
  • Strong expertise with Java/J2EE and backend application development, PHP, REST APIs, JSON, SQL Server, MySQL, Azure-hosted applications, IaC using Terraform and Ansible, and NGINX
  • PHP development experience, including support and enhancement of production applications
  • Experience working within Agile/Scrum environments
  • Experience using Azure DevOps for source control, CI/CD pipelines, and deployments
  • Experience with SonarQube or similar code quality and static analysis tools
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, coding standards, and development best practices
  • Experience conducting code reviewmentos and mentoring development teams
DESIRED SKILLS
  • Kotlin development experience
  • Cloud modernization and application transformation experience
  • Experience designing scalable, secure, and maintainable Azure-based solutions
  • Experience collaborating with infrastructure, security, and vendor teams
  • Strong documentation skills including architecture diagrams, workflows, and operational procedures
  • Experience leading continuous improvement and technical modernization initiatives