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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Principal Engineer, Automation will serve as an Automation Process-specific Subject ... Leads automation system development, modification, and optimization efforts on a large scale and ...

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.

Principal Electrical Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Principal Electrical Engineer Regular Full-Time Professional Holland, MI, US Principal Electrical ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

Principal Software Engineer- Onsite

Detroit, MI · On-site

$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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 3, 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:

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.

SR Principal/Principal Engineer, Automation

BoehringerPRD

On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development, and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies' success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in several ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking, and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.
The Senior Principal Engineer, Automation will serve as an Automation Process-specific Subject Matter Expert (SME) for one or more aspects of the aseptic manufacturing process System Integration, including but not limited to Active Ingredient Production, Filling, Freeze Drying, and Packaging.
The incumbent's expertise is applied by providing direct manufacturing support and troubleshooting of with the targeted Automation system architecture as well as serving as technical and/or overall lead for capital projects involving the installation of new or modification of existing automation system, equipment and/or utilities.

Duties & Responsibilities

SR Principal Engineer

  • Demonstrates and directly applies SME-level mastery of automation system/control process-specific engineering principles in solving vaccine manufacturing challenges varying in both scope and complexity.
  • Capability to lead cross functional teams in day-to-day operations or as members of a project team. Team composition is junior engineers, technicians, etc.
  • Accountable for goal development and assessment of reports.
  • Develops the Automation strategy to support business needs of area of responsibility.
  • Leads automation system development, modification, and optimization efforts on a large scale and drives actions that require the buy-in and support from multiple other functions including but not limited to Operations, Quality, Project Engineering, and Maintenance (PME).
  • Cross-functional leadership capability is essential.
  • Supports manufacturing in troubleshooting automation and control system with equipment issues on a large-scale.
  • Drives the communication of the auto integrated system between stakeholder to identify issues with the manufacturing process and find long term solutions to these issues.
  • Identifies improvements to manufacturing process. Improvements may include mechanical, automation, or workflow.
  • Works with manufacturing and capital engineering on the development of future capital projects and on the development of requirements for the project.
  • Responsible for User Requirement Specification development.
  • Leads small scale capital projects up to around $1M annual spend, primarily those with heavy technical components.
  • Accountable for following capital process procedures and execution of project regarding cost and schedule.
  • On larger capital projects, works with Capital Engineering and Equipment Vendors to ensure process requirements are communicated and built into the equipment/system design.
  • Develops specifications (user, functional, and detailed design) for equipment and automation of the equipment.
  • Develops and maintains overall knowledge of Automation system platform, IT infrastructure, automation manufacture integrated system/control.
  • Provides training on automation integrated system and/or equipment modifications as required for new or existing equipment/processes. 
  • Acts as Subject Matter Expert for production equipment and processes for Capital Engineering, Production, Business Process Science, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance.
  • Educates and mentors other engineers, technicians, etc. to foster a continuous effort to bring others to the same level of expertise.

Principal Engineer

  • Manages capital and expense projects ensuring sustainable growth of site automation technologies.
  • Maintains building automation system including lifecycle management, modification and troubleshooting in compliance with BIAH SOPs and current industry standards.
  • Researches and evaluates potential automation projects to determine feasibility.
  • Provides data and proposals to management to guide site investment strategy.
  • Develops and implements site automation improvement initiatives.
  • Acts as automation and controls subject matter expert on large capital projects.
  • Supports day to day site automation and controls needs, minimizing production loss.
  • Produces and implements CAPA plans to prevent future occurrences.
  • Leads root cause analysis initiatives as related to automation topics.
  • Conducts research on new technologies, gains competency and trains others after implementation.
Requirements

SR Principal Engineer

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.

OR

  • Minimum seven (7) years of System Control field experience.


Integrator level capability in the following:

  • Low voltage controls (relays, safety circuits, drives, etc.)
  • Devices and interface technologies (sensors, IO modules, fieldbus, and networking).
  • PLC programming including ladder, function block and structured text.
  • RS Logix experience is preferred.
  • HMI/SCADA systems.
  • Automation Network infrastructure knowledge of IT4OT design requirements.
  • MES and MES MI design requirement.


Proficiency in the following:

  • Building automation systems is experience is preferred.
  • Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in a cross functional team.
  • Good project management and organizational skills.

Principal Engineer

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Control Systems field with four (4) years professional experience.

Integrator level capability in the following:

  • Low voltage controls (relays, safety circuits, drives, etc.)
  • Devices and interface technologies (sensors, IO modules, fieldbus and networking).
  • PLC programming including ladder, function block and structured text.
  • RSLogix experience is preferred.
  • HMI/SCADA systems.
  • FactoryTalk View experience is preferred.

Proficiency in the following:

  • Mechanical design methods and techniques using 3D CAD software.
  • SolidWorks experience is preferred.
  • Building automation systems.
  • Siemens Insight or Desigo experience is preferred.
  • Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in a cross functional team.
  • Good project management and organizational skills.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
  • Must be willing to take a drug test and post-offer physical (if required).
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

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Desired Skills, Experience and Abilities