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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

NextDeavor Inc.

Software Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI

$105K - $120K/yr

Software Engineer Full-time Kalamazoo, MI, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Benefits You'll Love * Relocation assistance * Salary range: $105k - $120k

FastTek

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI

Software Engineer #1059251 Position Description: The Connected Vehicle Data Enablement (CVDE) organization within Global Data Insight and Analytics (GDIA) builds the data platforms and software ...

Ford Motor Company

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Ford Motor Company is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, and evolve cloud-native services that support Ford retail consumers. This role involves leading the development of ...

FastTek

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI

Software Engineer #1061088 * Employees in this job function are responsible for designing, developing, testing and maintaining software applications and products to meet customer needs. * They are ...

Stellantis

Principal SW Developer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$127K - $171K/yr

Seeking a talented Senior Design Engineer to join our global team and will be responsible Oversee ... Embedded software: C/C++, Python, Linux BSP, Yocto, driver debugging * Image Processing: OpenCV ...

Atego

Software Engineer

Zeeland, MI

Embedded Software Development Engineer Atego HighRely is currently searching for an Embedded Software Engineer for a 6 month contract position that may be extended. The Software Development Engineer ...

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: None Type of Travel: None * * * The ...

Atego

Software Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

Embedded Software Development Engineer Atego HighRely is currently searching for an Embedded Software Engineer for a 6 month contract position that may be extended. The Software Development Engineer ...

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$82K - $172K/yr

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Top Secret Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel:

Stefanini

Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

Stefanini is looking for a Software Engineer (Allen Park, MI) For quick apply, please reach out to Saurabh Kapoor at / We are seeking an exceptional Software Engineer specializing in Public Key ...

Ford Motor Company

Software Engineer

Redford, MI · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Full-Stack Software Engineer to build the software ecosystem powering our next-generation AI Vision Systems. You will develop the "connective tissue" between high ...

FastTek

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Software Engineer #1061156 * Employees in this job function are responsible for designing, developing, testing and maintaining software applications and products to meet customer needs. * They are ...

Stellantis

Principal SW Developer

Auburn Hills, MI

$127K - $171K/yr

Seeking a talented Senior Design Engineer to join our global team and will be responsible Oversee ... Embedded software: C/C++, Python, Linux BSP, Yocto, driver debugging * Image Processing: OpenCV ...

Kiongroup

Software Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

We are looking for a skilled Mid-Level Software Engineer to join our team in the material handling industry. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and deployment of cutting ...

FastTek

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI

Software Engineer #1059488 * Employees in this job function are responsible for designing, developing, testing and maintaining software applications and products to meet customer needs. * They are ...

FastTek

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Software Engineer #1055475 * Employees in this job function are responsible for designing, developing, testing and maintaining software applications and products to meet customer needs. * They are ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Software Engineer

NextDeavor Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI

$105K - $120K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer
Full-time
Kalamazoo, MI, US
Exclusive confidential search — details shared with qualified applicants.
 
Benefits You'll Love
  • Relocation assistance
  • Salary range: $105k - $120k
  • Bonus: 1.5%
  • Comprehensive medical coverage (medical and prescription drugs)
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Voluntary optional life and accident insurance
  • Hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay
  • Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay
  • Career development and tuition reimbursement
  • Paid parental leave
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Adoption assistance
  • Care.com membership
  • Financial planning assistance
  • Supplemental programs available (identity protection, legal protection, pet wellness)
  • Paid Time Off and up to 15 company-paid holidays
Become a Key Player as a Software Engineer

You will lead complex software development efforts that ensure certification and operational readiness for airborne systems. You will influence technical direction, work with stakeholders across engineering and management, and deliver software that meets rigorous safety and regulatory standards. This role contributes at a senior level to project planning, design, implementation, and certification activities.

Here's How You'll Make an Impact on the Team
  • Lead design, planning, coding, testing, documentation, and implementation of complex software projects
  • Define and document system and software requirements and perform technical feasibility studies
  • Ensure projects meet schedule, cost, and technical expectations through project leadership and status reporting
  • Select development tools, programming languages, system architecture, libraries, OS, and hardware platforms
  • Direct testing and debugging, establish testing methods, and document test results and performance benchmarks
  • Maintain and upgrade systems after implementation and support certification-related activities per airborne lifecycle standards
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies and implement standards
  • Mentor and train less-experienced engineers and contribute to continuous improvement efforts
Here's What You'll Need to Be Successful in This Role
  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline (Master's preferred)
  • Typically 7–9+ years of related software design and engineering experience
  • Demonstrated experience with RTCA/DO-178C and airborne software lifecycle/certification processes
  • Strong programming experience in C; experience with C/C++ also required
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication
  • Solid knowledge of software design, programming and analysis principles, and systems engineering concepts
  • Experience preparing technical presentations and communicating with management and customers
Here's What Else Might Help You Out
  • Aerospace industry experience (preferred)
  • Experience with graphical user interfaces, distributed/network programming, three-tier architectures, or database connectivity
  • Formal project management experience or certifications
Pay Range

$105k - $120k/year

Ready to Make Your Mark?

This role may fill quickly. Submit your resume to be considered.

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