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Research Programmer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Overview From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute ...

From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the ...

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Overview From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute ...

ICAM is a collaborative of researchers with surgical, medical, radiological, technological, engineering, and data expertise who are working together to prevent injuries to motor vehicle occupants and ...

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for leading advanced research initiatives, developing innovative solutions, and optimizing the design and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Programmer information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$98.3K

$112.4K

How much do research programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for research programmer in Michigan is $98,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $112,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid software developer?

Senior software developers, especially those with expertise in specialized fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity, tend to be among the highest paid in the industry, with salaries reaching over $150,000 annually in many regions. Highly experienced developers working in leadership roles or at large tech companies can earn significantly more, often exceeding $200,000 or more with bonuses and stock options.

What are research programmers?

Research programmers are professionals who develop software, algorithms, and computational tools to support academic or scientific research projects. They work closely with researchers to design, implement, and optimize code for data analysis, simulations, and experiments. Their role often involves adapting existing software or creating new applications to solve specific research problems, ensuring that the software meets the requirements of the research team. Research programmers may also contribute to writing technical documentation and publishing results.

What is the difference between Research Programmer vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearch ProgrammerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, healthcare, finance, or marketing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, academic research, R&D departmentsData interpretation, reporting, and decision support in organizations

Research Programmers focus on developing software and tools for research purposes, often working in academic or research settings. Data Analysts interpret data to provide insights for business decisions. While both roles require strong technical skills, Research Programmers emphasize programming and software development, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and visualization.

How do Research Programmers typically collaborate with researchers and other team members during a project?

Research Programmers often work closely with principal investigators, data scientists, and subject matter experts to develop, test, and optimize software solutions tailored to research needs. Collaboration is highly iterative and may involve regular meetings to align on project goals, troubleshoot technical challenges, and adapt code to evolving research requirements. Effective communication and a flexible approach are key, as programmers frequently translate complex research concepts into functional code and may also assist with data analysis or visualization tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with scientific computing tools, version control systems (like Git), and data analysis platforms is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with research teams and translate complex requirements into code. These skills enable you to develop robust software solutions that advance research goals and ensure project success.

How much does a programmer analyst make in the US?

A programmer analyst in the US typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require proficiency in programming languages, systems analysis, and problem-solving skills, with salaries increasing with certifications and specialized expertise.

What are the highest paying jobs in research?

Research programmers working in specialized fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, or bioinformatics often earn high salaries, especially with advanced skills in programming languages like Python or R and experience with large datasets. Senior roles, such as research scientists or lead data engineers, tend to have higher compensation, particularly in industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

What do research software engineers do?

Research software engineers develop, test, and maintain software tools and applications used in scientific research. They often collaborate with researchers to create data analysis pipelines, implement algorithms, and optimize code for high-performance computing environments, utilizing programming languages like Python, C++, or Java. Their work supports data collection, analysis, and visualization to advance scientific discoveries.
Infographic showing various Research Programmer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,315 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Sr Research Engineer-RF

Sr Research Engineer-RF

SRI International

Ann Arbor, MI โ€ข On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for aย Senior Research Engineerย with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing and surveillance processing algorithms and software implemented on real-time hardware. Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems.ย Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups. This is an in-office position with flexibility to work remotely occasionally.

This position is within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD). The vision of ATSD is to create competitive advantages for our customers by inventing new technology and concepts resulting in disruptive, low cost, and high-performance solutions. The division advances the state of the art in diverse areas such as radar and electronic warfare; novel imaging technology; robotics; quantum sensing and metrology; marine technology; and applied optics. CHECK OUT OUR WORK!

Responsibilities
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including: transmitters, receivers, and antennas spanning high frequency (HF) to W-band (100 GHz) with minimal oversight
  • Development of marketing and proposal material for new RF systems for government and commercial clients
  • Modeling of RF systems using industry-standard design tools
  • Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital
  • Documentation of system designs and schematics, test plans and procedures, and hardware development and test software
  • Participation in field experiments and data collections
Qualifications
  • Bachelors with 8+ years OR MS with 6+ years OR PhD with 3+ years of related experience. ย  Area of study - Electrical Engineering.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Knowledge of and experience with RF system design and modeling, including: radar sensitivity and resolution, RF link budgets.
  • Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks, including: development of schedules and budgets, resource allocation, and dependencies.
  • Proficiency in use of RF laboratory test equipment, including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF signal sources
  • Ability to prepare and present technical content in a professional manner to customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to support occasional travel associated with meetings and/or data collections.

Desired Skills:

  • System-level analysis and architecture development of RF systems, including: system and subsystem requirements generation, system specification, and trade studies
  • Experience maturing prototype designs (TRL 4-6) to operational systems (TRL 7-9)
  • Experience with business development and proposal writing
  • RF printed circuit board design and debug. Knowledge of Altium software is a plus.
  • Electromagnetic, antenna, and RF circuit modeling using industry-standard software. Familiarity with Ansys HFSS are Keysight Genesys are pluses.
  • Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing
  • Hardware integration and testing
  • Experience with Matlabย and/or Python; familiarity with Linux

The salary range is: $130,760-$194,505. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME