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Software Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

As a Software Developer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining our municipal ERP software. Your expertise in various technologies and programming languages will be ...

Translate field data into accurate distribution designs using utility-specific design software (Open Utilities) and other CAD tools. * Design power distribution systems by determining power ...

Apply Early

Translate field data into accurate distribution designs using utility-specific design software (Open Utilities) and other CAD tools. * Design power distribution systems by determining power ...

Apply Early

Translate field data into accurate distribution designs using utility-specific design software (Open Utilities) and other CAD tools. * Design power distribution systems by determining power ...

Apply Early

Translate field data into accurate distribution designs using utility-specific design software (Open Utilities) and other CAD tools. * Design power distribution systems by determining power ...

Apply Early

Senior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

The Senior Designer will be responsible for designing parts and components using design software. The Senior Designer will also provide technical assistance, guidance, coaching, and support to the ...

Design hydraulic circuits and systems using AUTOCAD CAD software. * Research technical information ... Take technical directions from the project engineer in order to produce designs that function as ...

Apply Early

Design hydraulic circuits and systems using AUTOCAD CAD software. * Research technical information ... Take technical directions from the project engineer in order to produce designs that function as ...

Apply Early

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Software Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$81.5K

$122.5K

How much do software designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for software designer in Michigan is $81,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Software Designers?

Software Designers are professionals who plan, create, and refine the structure and appearance of software applications. They focus on the user experience, system architecture, and how different components of a program interact. Their responsibilities often include creating design specifications, wireframes, and prototypes, collaborating with developers and stakeholders, and ensuring that the final product meets user and business requirements. Software Designers play a critical role in making software functional, usable, and aesthetically pleasing.

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

To thrive as a Software Designer, you need strong proficiency in software development principles, user experience (UX) design, and an educational background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with design tools like Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, as well as knowledge of programming languages and version control systems, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for creating functional, user-friendly software solutions that meet both technical and user requirements.

How does a Software Designer typically collaborate with other team members during the development process?

A Software Designer works closely with developers, product managers, and UX/UI designers to ensure that software solutions are both functional and user-friendly. Regular meetings, design reviews, and feedback sessions are common, allowing the designer to communicate requirements, clarify design intentions, and incorporate suggestions from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration often involves using shared tools such as design systems, version control, and project management platforms. This team-oriented approach helps streamline development and ensures that the final product aligns with user needs and business goals.

What Does a Software Designer Do?

As a software designer, your role is to create and test software solutions to a set of problems during the early stages of software development. As the designer, your duties are to consider the requirements of the software, which can be done by performing a software requirements analysis, to identify the specific conditions your product needs to meet for a new piece of software to be developed. Once you have completed an SRA, you then design the framework of the application, which developers code into an actual piece of software. You may work closely with software analysts whose job it is to understand problems from the clients or user’s end and convey that to developers with efficiency.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Software engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or locations. Senior roles, expertise in areas like AI or cloud computing, and working at large tech companies or startups can contribute to reaching this salary level.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

Software designers and engineers develop and maintain software systems, and while AI tools can automate certain coding tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace human developers. AI can assist with code generation and testing, but complex problem-solving, creativity, and understanding user needs remain essential skills for software engineers.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Software engineers in senior or specialized roles, such as principal engineers or engineering directors at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often include bonuses, stock options, or other compensation components.

What does a software designer do?

A software designer develops and plans the architecture, user interface, and overall structure of software applications. They analyze requirements, create design specifications, and collaborate with developers to ensure the software meets user needs and technical standards. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of design tools are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Software Designer vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware DesignerSoftware Developer
Primary RoleFocuses on designing software architecture, user experience, and overall system structureImplements, codes, and tests the software based on designs
Required SkillsDesign principles, system architecture, UX/UI understandingProgramming languages, coding, debugging
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, product managers, and developersWorks mainly on coding and testing
Common CertificationsNone specific, but knowledge of design tools and methodologiesProgramming certifications, such as Microsoft Certified, Java certifications

While both roles are integral to software development, a Software Designer primarily focuses on planning and designing the system, whereas a Software Developer implements and codes the software based on those designs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the tech industry.

What are popular job titles related to Software Designer jobs in MI? For Software Designer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Software Designer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 7% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,511 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Lead Embedded Software Engineer - Secret Clearance

Lead Embedded Software Engineer - Secret Clearance

GE Aerospace

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


GE Aerospace rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 173 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Description Summary
Are you an Embedded Software Engineer who loves working on innovative technologies? If so, GE Aerospace Defense and Systems wants you to join their Advanced Technologies team in Grand Rapids, MI. You will be part of a cross-functional team that develops innovative solutions for capabilities on custom hardware. You will work on projects related to stores management, cyber security, networking, and sensing and signal processing.
This position requires an active US Security Clearance
This opportunity is based in Grand Rapids, MI, but don't worry, GE will provide comprehensive corporate relocation assistance.
GE Aerospace is a leader in inventing the future of flight. GE offers competitive salaries and a full range of benefits, including 401K contributions and matching, flexible work arrangements, generous time off, tuition reimbursement, and various health insurance options.
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply today!
Job Description
As a Lead Embedded Software Engineer you will play a vital role in designing, developing, and testing embedded software, firmware, platforms and systems for our mission-critical technologies and products. You will work with a team of passionate and skilled engineers who share your vision of creating innovative and reliable embedded systems. To succeed in this position, you will need a background in embedded systems, a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of real-time systems and their constraints. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to take full ownership of your role and deliver high-quality software solutions. The role has moderate autonomy, requiring high levels of operational judgment.
Responsibilities:
  • Designs and/or programs/develops a small module or a large component, feature, set of features, whole feature area or entire embedded software product.
  • Define and formalize system, hardware, software, and human integration requirements.
  • Define and execute engineering test, validation, and verification activities.
  • Follow established software development methodologies and principles and document your tasks and designs.
  • Validate and verify software designs in a diversity of system integration environments - from local desktop computer simulations to fully representative flight tests.
  • Implement protocols and algorithms for resource-constrained environments and collaborate with the hardware team to enable communication between modules and applications.
  • Ensure software robustness, resilience, and fail-safe operation for critical devices, and mitigate potential safety and security vulnerabilities.
  • Create detailed design and technical documentation, optimize existing applications, and implement new features.
  • Participate in task prioritization, execution, requirements, specifications, code and design reviews, and mentorship across the software development life cycle.
  • Apply best practices for embedded software engineering and understand the key business drivers and product roadmap.
  • Deliver your work to support project scope, cost, and schedule targets, and interface effectively with all levels of the organization and customers.
  • Propose novel solutions to technical challenges, generate cost and time estimates for future bids and programs, and utilize hardware/software to demonstrate capability against customer expectations.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree + 5 years of related embedded software engineering experience or Master's degree + 2 years of experience in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM fields
  • Proficiency in Ada, C, C++ or equivalent languages.
  • Location: Grand Rapids, MI. This is a fully onsite position requiring attendance five days per week. A comprehensive corporate relocation package is available for eligible candidates.
  • This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a US Government Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. Citizenship. Preference will be given to candidates who currently hold US Government Security Clearance.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in engineering or computer science.
  • Extensive experience in Ada for embedded software design, development, and testing.
  • Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, Perl, Tcl, etc.) and code management tools (Git, CVS, SVN, Perforce, etc.)
  • Experience with network protocols with an understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking concepts, including Ethernet, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tagging where applicable. Familiarity with Neighbor Discovery (ND) in IPv6 is highly desirable.
  • Experience implementing or integrating Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and Internet Key Exchange (IKE) (version 1 and/or version 2).
  • Experience with RTOS (Linux, FreeRTOS, QNX, VxWorks, etc.) and device drivers for complex systems using parallel processing, multi-threading, distributed processing, multi-core, SoM, and/or secure processing.
  • Experience with embedded software testing, debugging, and integration on hardware using debuggers (gdb, lldb, etc.), test equipment (scopes, analyzers, multi-meters, etc.), and UARTs, JTAGs and oscilloscopes.
  • Experience working in mission-critical industries (aerospace, automotive, defense, first responder, medical devices, etc.) and turning CONOPS, Specifications or Requirements into software design, code, test plans and execution.
  • Innovative, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills and proficiency with IDEs, version control tools, defect tracking tools and scripting tools.
  • Experience with bare metal software design and optimization for cycles and memory and fundamental facility with compilers, build and source code control tools.
  • Experience with model-based engineering using Cameo.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledgeable of system interfaces (e.g. Ethernet, Mil-Std-1553, Serial).
  • Knowledgeable of component interfaces (e.g. I2C, SPI, PCIe).
  • Possess a current US Government Security Clearance.

The base pay range for this position is $112,000.00 - $149,000.00 USD Annual. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 08/31/26.
GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.
GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
#LI-KS1
#securityclearance
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional Information
GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

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