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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

$129.70K - $173.80K/yr

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services ... Lead endtoend system and software design for customer solutions, including architecture definition ...

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

$129.70K - $173.80K/yr

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services ... Lead endtoend system and software design for customer solutions, including architecture definition ...

Principal Data Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1

$170K - $210K/yr

We're looking for a Principal Data Engineer to own the technical direction and execution of our ... This role is responsible for setting architectural direction for the data systems that underpin our ...

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$129.70K - $173.80K/yr

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services ... Lead end-to-end system and software design for customer solutions, including architecture ...

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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 May 28, 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, and why are they important?

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 does a Principal Systems Engineer do?

A Principal Systems Engineer leads the design, integration, and management of complex systems within an organization. They are responsible for overseeing the entire systems engineering process, from requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance. In this senior role, they collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensure system reliability, and provide technical guidance to engineers. Principal Systems Engineers often contribute to setting technical standards and drive innovation in system architecture.

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,054 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Software Principal Engineer

Kiongroup

Grand Rapids, MI

$129.70K - $173.80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services Modernizations and Upgrades (LSS MU) group. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the material handling industry and industrial automation. The primary responsibility for the Software Principal Engineer is to work with other members of the LSS MU team to provide technical guidance, execution support, and direction to project teams. This expert role also actively participates in the creation and application of standard processes to deliver consistent results for our customers.We offer:
  • Career Development
  • Competitive Compensation and Benefits
  • Pay Transparency
  • Global Opportunities

Learn More Here: https://www.dematic.com/en-us/about/careers/what-we-offer

Dematic 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.

The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $X-Y at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

    Tasks and Qualifications:

    This is What You Will do in This Role

    • Lead endtoend system and software design for customer solutions, including architecture definition, technical specifications, and design reviews.
    • Develop highcomplexity software components (C, VB.NET, C#) while providing technical oversight and mentoring to other engineers.
    • Direct database architecture and development, including schema design, performance optimization, and complex data migrations (MSSQL, Oracle).
    • Serve as the primary technical interface for customers-participating in requirement discussions, presenting designs, and guiding technical decisions.
    • Lead system integration efforts across software, equipment, and onsite systems; oversee FAT activities, demos, and customer acceptance testing.
    • Manage onsite commissioning and validation, ensuring full system functionality and resolving complex issues.
    • Oversee deployment planning and execution for production changes, including backend updates, database changes, and GUI package releases.
    • Provide expertlevel golive support and ensure operational stability during customer rollout.
    • Mentor and develop engineering team members through guidance on design principles, coding standards, and technical best practices.
    • Responsible for developing, upgrading, retrofitting, testing and integrating various software warehouse logistics solutions efficiently to implement the required software solutions.
    • Balance and work on multiple projects simultaneously
    • Diagnose customer issues on new and existing projects.
    • Assist in the development of solutions to upgrade existing systems.
    • Communicate with customers and external team members on project requirements and solutions.
    • Provide engineering support as required.
    • Resolve incompatibility issues with older software on new hardware.
    • Upgrade existing software to newer versions.
    • Collaborate with highly cross-functional, Agile teams to build out new customer features and functionality.
    • Improve internal processes to make code deployment easier, faster and more consistent.
    • Play a critical role in system design, architecture, and execution.
    • Travel across North America to customer sites to validate system functionality and testing (up to approximately 20%)

    What We are Looking For

    • BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline
    • At least 15+ years' experience in similar position in the industry
    • Working knowledge required in: Windows Server configurations, VMWare, HyperV, Java, database (ORACLE and MS SQL-Sever), Visual Basic, and C++; C#, Java Script
    • Excellent communication and customer service mindset
    • Organization, analytical, reasoning and problem solving.
    • Maintaining accurate and detailed records
    • Excellent team and communications skills
    • May provide technical assistance to support staff and other employees.
    • Passion for problem solving and executing with excellence.
    • Knowledge of industrial automation.