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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Eccalon LLC

Principal Software Engineer- Onsite

Detroit, MI

$127K - $171K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Location: Detroit, MI- Onsite Type: Full-time Security Clearance: No ... Define and evolve system architectures across multiple teams or domains * Lead design of large ...

Carhartt

Principal Engineer, eComm

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Principal Engineer, Ecommerce Department: Information Technology Reports to: Sr. Manager, Global ... Work with Support Team to ensure software system implications are communicated to the business.

Tribonet

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Principal Engineer for Ball Screw Design & Development serves as the technical authority for ... system needs and environmental constraints. * Perform detailed analytical modeling: load ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Software Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

$132K - $177K/yr

Principal Software Engineer The global capital markets are among the largest markets in the world ... Its system architecture decisions will influence the technical direction of our platform and decide ...

GHSP

Principal Electrical Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical EngineerShape the Future of Hardware Engineering. At GHSP, we develop the ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

GHSP

Principal Electrical Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$129K - $158K/yr

Principal Electrical EngineerShape the Future of Hardware Engineering. At GHSP, we develop the ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

GHSP

Principal Electrical Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical EngineerShape the Future of Hardware Engineering. At GHSP, we develop the ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

GHSP

Principal Electrical Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$129K - $158K/yr

Principal Electrical EngineerShape the Future of Hardware Engineering. At GHSP, we develop the ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

asrcfh

Principal Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Systems/Principal Engineer to support autonomy vehicle integrations in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Considering the state of the world today ...

asrcfh

Principal Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Systems/Principal Engineer to support autonomy vehicle integrations in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Considering the state of the world today ...

ZF

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI

As the Principal Mechanical Engineer for ADAS, you will lead mechanical design and development for ... Perform and coordinate prototype laboratory testing, component/system characterization, validation ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Systems Engineer JobsPrincipal Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Principal Systems Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$18.3K

$130.1K

$195.7K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Michigan is $130,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $152,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal systems engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, integration, and engineering principles, typically backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as SysML), requirements management platforms, and relevant certifications like INCOSE CSEP are highly valued. Outstanding problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for designing complex systems, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and delivering solutions that meet technical and business objectives.

How does a principal systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?

A Principal Systems Engineer plays a central role in coordinating between hardware, software, and project management teams to ensure system integration and project alignment. They often facilitate technical discussions, clarify requirements, and help resolve complex engineering challenges by leveraging their expertise. Regularly, they lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and act as the technical liaison between stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met. This collaborative approach helps maintain project quality and fosters innovation within the team.

What is the difference between Principal Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with certifications like PMP or INCOSEBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLead complex projects, oversee system integration, collaborate with cross-functional teamsSupport system development, perform testing, assist in system implementation
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, large tech firms, government agenciesTechnology companies, manufacturing, defense contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical roles, career progressionEntry to mid-level roles, job responsibilities

The Principal Systems Engineer typically holds a senior technical leadership role, overseeing complex projects and guiding teams, while the Systems Engineer focuses on supporting system development and implementation. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Principal position involves more strategic oversight and experience.

What does a principal systems engineer do?

A principal systems engineer designs, develops, and oversees complex engineering systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and performance standards. They often lead technical teams, coordinate system integration, and utilize tools like modeling software, with a focus on system architecture, reliability, and scalability.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in MI?

For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,054 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer- Onsite

Eccalon LLC

Detroit, MI

$127K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Principal Software Engineer

Location: Detroit, MI- Onsite

Type: Full-time

Security Clearance: No clearance required, must be clearable.

Job Description

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex, large-scale software systems. This role is for a highly experienced engineer who drives architecture, influences technical strategy, and solves the organization’s most challenging engineering problems. The Principal Software Engineer operates with broad scope and autonomy, partnering closely with engineering leadership, product, and business stakeholders to ensure systems are scalable, reliable, and aligned with long-term company goals.

Responsibilities

  • Technical Leadership & Architecture
    • Define and evolve system architectures across multiple teams or domains
    • Lead design of large-scale, distributed, and mission-critical systems
    • Establish and enforce technical standards, best practices, and design principles
    • Drive long-term technical vision and architectural consistency
  • Complex Problem Solving
    • Tackle the most complex technical challenges across the organization
    • Evaluate trade-offs across performance, reliability, scalability, security, and cost
    • Lead root-cause analysis of major system issues and outages
    • Guide modernization and refactoring of legacy systems
  • Cross-Team Impact
    • Influence technical direction across multiple teams and initiatives
    • Partner with product and leadership on roadmap feasibility and system constraints
    • Act as a technical advisor to senior engineers, managers, and executives
    • Review and guide high-risk or high-impact technical decisions
  • Mentorship & Engineering Excellence
    • Mentor senior and mid-level engineers
    • Elevate engineering quality through design reviews and code reviews
    • Share knowledge through documentation, talks, and technical forums
    • Model a culture of ownership, quality, and technical rigor

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • Demonstrated impact designing and operating large-scale production systems
  • Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, or similar
  • Deep understanding of system design, distributed systems, and software architecture
  • Experience leading technical initiatives across teams
  • Experience building distributed, cloud-native, or high-availability systems
  • Expertise with APIs, microservices, messaging, and data-intensive systems
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Strong understanding of CI/CD, observability, reliability, and security practices
  • Background in performance optimization and scalability planning

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Eccalon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Eccalon logo

About Eccalon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a cross-functional collective of innovative minds that leverages technology to tackle the most challenging problems of this generation for clients, the nation, and the world. Eccalon fosters creativity, curiosity, and imagination across all departments and divisions to pioneer new ideas, products, and services. We advance innovation.​

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

2017

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