ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Dematic

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$129K - $174K/yr

Dematic Corp. is seeking a Software Principal Engineer to join their Lifecycle Solutions & Services Modernizations and Upgrades group. The role involves providing technical guidance and support to ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud-native microservices within our Connected Services platform. You will own the full software lifecycle ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud-native microservices within our Connected Services platform. You will own the full software lifecycle ...

Miracle software system

Software Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

Key Responsibilities: - Software developer with responsibilities to Define, Design, Develop, and Deploy applications/services and proof-of-concepts to support new location-based vehicle features ...

Miracle software system

Software Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

Key Responsibilities: - Software developer with responsibilities to Define, Design, Develop, and Deploy applications/services and proof-of-concepts to support new location-based vehicle features ...

General Motors

Software Engineer

Milford, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field of study and Three (3) years of ...

Squirl Financial Inc

Software Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

We are looking for a part-time Software Engineer who will assist us with the design, development and installation of various software solutions. Your duties will include development, writing code ...

Squirl Financial

Software Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

We are looking for a part-time Software Engineer who will assist us with the design, development and installation of various software solutions. Your duties will include development, writing code ...

General Motors

Software Engineer

Milford, MI · Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field of study and Three (3) years of ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Principal Software Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$52.7K

$140.3K

$201.3K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Michigan is $140,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,700.00 and $157,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a principal software engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership responsibilities?

Principal Software Engineers often split their time between technical contributions—such as designing system architecture and reviewing complex code—and guiding teams through mentorship, technical direction, and cross-functional collaboration. While they may not code as much as junior engineers, they remain highly involved in critical implementations and code reviews. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management, clear communication, and the ability to prioritize tasks that have the highest impact on project and team success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, programming languages, and system design, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Advanced proficiency with development frameworks, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and familiarity with DevOps tools and agile methodologies are typically required. Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and communication skills help facilitate cross-functional collaboration and guide technical teams. These skills are crucial for driving technical vision, ensuring scalable solutions, and fostering innovation within complex projects.

What is the difference between Principal Software Engineer vs Senior Software Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Software EngineerSenior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in CS; several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationDesign, develop, and troubleshoot software; mentorship
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, large enterprises, startupsMost industries, including tech, finance, healthcare

The main difference between a Principal Software Engineer and a Senior Software Engineer lies in their level of responsibility and scope. Principal Software Engineers typically lead technical strategy, influence architecture decisions, and mentor multiple teams, whereas Senior Software Engineers focus on coding, design, and individual project contributions. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Principal role emphasizes leadership and strategic impact.

What is a principal software engineer?

A principal software engineer is in charge of software development. In this career, you guide the software design process and inspect software programs to make suggestions for improvements. Principal software engineers also process complex data and may need to enforce software design, development, and maintenance requirements. Your job requires a high level of technical knowledge and skills and a thorough understanding of the software development process. Your employer may require you to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in software development. Similar job titles include software architect and principal software developer.

How much does a principal software engineer get paid?

A principal software engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually in the United States, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in software architecture, leadership, and technical expertise in programming languages and tools.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in MI? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,271 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer, Car Audio Software Project Engineering

Harman International Industries

Novi, MI • On-site

$126K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive
We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.
  • Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
  • Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
  • Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role
The Principal Engineer provides technical and applications support of audio and noise management projects to automotive OEM customers. The position will be a subject matter expert towards the customer and internal Software and Requirement engineering. This role will report to the Sr. Director, Software Project Engineering, Car Audio.
Your Team
This position has no direct reports. The role works closely with other team members, including Solution Management, Software Program Managers, Software Project Leads, Acoustic Engineers, and Customer Program Managers to drive successful project delivery to meet timing, cost, and quality.
What You Will Do
  • Act as the first responder and primary technical contact for embedded system issues identified during development at the customer's location, providing timely and hands-on support for complex system-level and integration challenges
  • Perform in-depth debugging and root cause analysis across software and hardware boundaries, leveraging strong C/C++ expertise and system-level understanding
  • Participate in and support audio system testing activities, including bench and vehicle-level verification at customer or third-party sites
  • Drive end-to-end issue resolution by working closely with internal development teams, clearly defining problem statements, and leading escalations to ensure timely closure
  • Participate in meetings within the local time zone, drive technical discussions with customers on requirements and specifications, and translate them into clear and actionable inputs for internal engineering teams
  • Communicate internal architecture solutions to customers in a clear, structured, and easily understandable manner
  • Provide tuning support to ASE and technical support to CPM within the local time zone, ensuring timely alignment and effective collaboration
  • Partner with Engineering, Product, and Customer Group teams to build strong, long-term technical relationships with customers, while maintaining awareness of customer needs and the competitive landscape in audio and embedded systems

What You Need To Be Successful
  • 8+ years' experience in automotive electronic product development engineering (Audio industry preferred).
  • BSEE/BSCE in software, electrical engineering or related field
  • Experience with Qualcomm Hexagon DSP
  • Experience with Audio Weaver Audio Framework
  • Solid background with Digital Signal Processing, signal flow design, digital filtering etc.,
  • Proven consistent success in delivering over many product cycles, developing innovative/disruptive solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of audio/acoustic systems
  • Passion for Audio quality and performance

Skills Based Proficiencies
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ language
  • Problem solving, organizational and analytical skills
  • Excellent written & verbal communication
  • Experience in audio related embedded SW development: audio driver (I2S/TDM), floating-point and fixed-point processing, audio framework, MIPS/MCPS optimization
  • Experience developing and debugging software in a real-time, embedded, multiprocessor, multi-interface environment
  • Experience with audio interfaces: TDM/I2S/A2B
  • Familiar with HW instruments like oscilloscope, AP, signal generators etc., and embedded debug tool like emulators, debuggers etc.
  • Familiarity with ASPICE traceability requirements
  • Experienced working with vehicle networking (CAN, MOST, etc) and diagnostics (UDS, KWP2000)

What Makes You Eligible
  • Be willing to travel up to 10% domestic and international
  • Be willing to work in the Novi, MI office (hybrid format)
  • Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

What We Offer
  • Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
  • Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
  • Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
  • Competitive wellness benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-JS247
Salary Ranges:
$ 125,250 - $ 183,700
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Apply