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Senior Systems Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Systems Software Engineer I

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K - $202K/yr

Senior Systems Software Engineer This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specialized knowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex system ...

Extensive experience in C++ development, with a strong foundation in object-oriented design, system-level programming, and software architecture. * Proven success in building and scaling backend ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Lansing, MI · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

... ML, Software Development, Technical Writing, and Digital Transformation. We partner with top ... We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join our team. This role will involve supporting ...

Sr Systems Engineer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer will apply basic engineering/technical principles, theories and ... Technical lead of cross-functional matrixed project team (ME, EE, Software, etc.) for engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Systems Software Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$76.3K

$117.9K

$165.2K

How much do senior systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems software engineer in Michigan is $117,918.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,400.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior systems software engineer?

A Senior Systems Software Engineer is an experienced professional who designs, develops, and maintains system-level software such as operating systems, embedded systems, and network protocols. They are responsible for ensuring that software interacts efficiently with hardware, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting complex issues. Senior engineers often lead technical projects, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust software solutions.

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

To thrive as a Senior Systems Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in computer science, operating systems, and programming languages like C/C++, often supported by a relevant degree and extensive experience. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), build automation tools, and debugging/profiling utilities is typically required, and certifications in systems programming or cloud platforms can be advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills set standout engineers apart by enabling them to navigate complex systems and coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams. These skills are vital for building robust, efficient software solutions that meet business and technical requirements in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior systems software engineers and how can they be addressed?

Senior Systems Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with modern technologies, optimizing system performance under tight resource constraints, and ensuring robust security in complex environments. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry best practices, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams (like DevOps and Security), and regularly participating in code reviews and architecture discussions. Leveraging automation tools and maintaining thorough documentation also help in efficiently managing and scaling large, distributed systems.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Systems Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Systems Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Systems Software Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,918 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer I

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Systems Software Engineer I
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Systems Software Engineer I at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Basic Purpose:
Positions in the Systems Software Engineer job family are responsible for evaluating, selecting, installing, and maintaining enterprise operating systems and technical applications for assigned platforms including enterprise servers and networks and for serving as a technical resource on enterprise hardware issues. Incumbents interact with technical and business customers to provide training and expertise in the design of specific applications to ensure the optimization of the platforms or technologies involved. The focus of work is on the efficient operation of enterprise operating platforms to support customer applications and the effective use of hardware and operating software in new or enhanced applications.
Essential Functions:
The functions within the job family will vary by level and specific assignment but will include the
following:
• Evaluate, install, customize, configure, and maintain enterprise operating systems including installing and testing new releases;
• Evaluate operating efficiency, analyze performance and tuning, and assist in capacity planning and DASD management;
• Analyze and troubleshoot operating problems to find problem areas and make fixes or work with the vendor for correction;
• Advise technical staff in complex applications development to assist in avoiding problems of incompatibility with software capabilities;
• Document changes to system functions and/or configurations for technical and customer reference; and
• Review and evaluate new or upgraded systems software packages and related hardware and make recommendations based on established standards.
Comments (Level Descriptions):
The Systems Software Engineer family has four levels:
Systems Software Engineer I
This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their basic skills and expertise, typically with a specific operating system and platform. They perform routine assignments to complete system change and modification requests and assist higher level staff in all aspects of maintaining, updating, documenting, and monitoring the operating systems. Incumbents also provide continuing support for their assigned operating system, trouble-shooting and resolving common immediate problems. Work is assigned to provide a broader knowledge of the technology supported and to develop a high level of creative problem-solving in preparation for qualification at the next level of the family.
Systems Software Engineer II
This is the career level where incumbents are fully knowledgeable in the operating system and platform supported and work as a part of a team to develop or install new systems software or supporting applications. The emphasis at this level is the incumbent's ability to identify and resolve all but the most unusual operating systems problems quickly and with dispatch. While at this level, incumbents are increasing their knowledge and expertise in a complex operating system and platform or are expanding
their capabilities in a second technology. They may also have specific assignments in areas such as performance tuning, security, disaster recovery, and the like to broaden their overall knowledge of their assigned technology.
Senior Systems Software Engineer
This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specialized knowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex system or multiple, less complex systems. Incumbents have primary accountability for the installation, maintenance, and operating efficiency of their assigned systems. They work with a high degree of independence, providing technical leadership and work review for less experienced staff. Individuals at this level are able to identify and resolve the
most complex system-related problems and deal directly with key vendor service representatives. Their work is characterized by the rapid application of technical knowledge to increase the efficiency and operation of the platform(s) supported. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for their assigned system serving as third-tier support for operating problems and technical consultant on complex applications development projects. They are key members of project teams for enterprise applications involving their assigned system.
Lead Systems Software Engineer
This is the leadership level where incumbents are recognized experts in a complex operating system and related areas such as network or database applications. Incumbents lead projects for major upgrades or installations, providing technical guidance and work direction to technical staff and ensuring that projects are completed smoothly and on time. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for an enterprise-wide system, assisting in technology planning and serving as a technical consultant on
enterprise applications development project teams. They may also have formal leadership responsibilities for enterprise-wide functions such as security, disaster recovery, and the like.
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the specific operating systems, networks, and/or platforms supported;
• Understanding of the hardware supported including mainframe, servers, workstations, peripheral devices, and the like;
• Skill in the use of operating system software, companion software, utilities, and the like;
• High level skill in identifying and resolving technical problems and/or effectively communicating the problems to vendor representatives; and
• Ability to analyze complex operating problems, working independently until the problem is
resolved.
• Knowledge of operating systems software, platforms, and computer operations typically acquired through an undergraduate program in Computer Science with an emphasis on systems software or the equivalent and one to two years of related experience; and
• Specific knowledge and experience in at least one related platform and operating system
Preferred qualifications:
-Familiarity with WheatStone WheatNet, WheatStream/StreamBlade and WheatStone Navigator-Comrex and ZIPone remote audio equipment-Enco Programs such as Digital Audio Driver, Cutserver, and NewDB-AOIP equipment and software management-Basic audio editing software (Adobe Audition and Audacity)
School/College/Division:
H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services
Primary department:
H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum: $78,841
Working conditions:
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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