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Research Programmer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow to conduct research on novel brain machine ... The ideal applicant will have a neuroscience or biomedical engineering background and hands-on ...

Job Category Engineering * Posting Date 07/23/2026, 02:39 PM * Locations One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, US (On-site) * Job Schedule Full time * LinkedIn Recruiter Tag #LI-NR1 * Export ...

Research Investigator

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$45K - $46K/yr

... seeking a Research Investigator. This position is a one year term-limited appointment with ... Chief engineer for propulsion (SPAR) * Overseeing the technical efforts of a national team of ...

We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing ® winner for both client and talent service. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Programmer information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$98.3K

$112.4K

How much do research programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 a research programmer?

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.

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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Research Programmer jobs in Michigan?

For Research Programmer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Programmer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 67% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,315 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Sr Research Engineer-Project Principal Investigator

SRI International

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

SRI International is looking for a Sr. Research Engineer to work on-site at our Ann Arbor, MI office, and will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing solutions and surveillance technologies. Relevant sensor types are active/passive radar imaging systems. Projects will include the development of advanced sensor concepts to exploit new and unique phenomenology, and the associated design and validation activities.  You will make leading-edge contributions to existing programs and help to shape the direction of future research efforts. Qualified candidates are a Principal Investigator or have the experience to develop in the near term into a Principal Investigator, designing new research paths, supervising research staff, and interacting with research sponsors to fund new program directions. Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups.

From applied research to product development, the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD) Take a closer look! manages complex projects for government and commercial clients. 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.


  • Develop new business by interfacing with clients and leading proposal efforts. Act as project Principal Investigator.
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team developing algorithms for exploitation of sensor data in geospatial contexts.
  • Formation and analysis of imagery products, development of advanced signal processing tools for image understanding and imagery exploitation, and the integration of data from multiple sources to enhance understanding.
  • Programming, algorithm development, design and execution of radar computational models & simulations, and analysis of results.
  • Leading team members to collect and analyze sensor data collected in the lab or field.
  • Leading team members to define software and system interfaces, system integration and testing, and field support to experiments and demonstrations.

  • Ph.D. degree in a relevant field with 2+ years experience; or Masters in related field with 5+ years experience or Bachelors in related field with 7+ years of related experience.
  • Experience marketing ideas to clients and writing contract R&D proposals.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance desired.
  • Solid analytical ability.
  • Ability to for travel to meet with clients and attend meetings

Experience with one or more of the following:

  • Experience associated with radar, imaging sensors, image processing, and signal/data processing applications.
  • Experience with software development in C and/or C++ and algorithm implementations in Python/MATLAB.
  • Experience with Unix/Linux operating system

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.