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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

As the Validation Engineer - Contractor, You Will * Perform validation testing for telematics ... Set up test benches and perform software updates * Conduct field testing and joint field tests with ...

As the Validation Engineer - Contractor, You Will * Perform validation testing for telematics ... Set up test benches and perform software updates * Conduct field testing and joint field tests with ...

As the Validation Engineer - Contractor, You Will * Perform validation testing for telematics ... Set up test benches and perform software updates * Conduct field testing and joint field tests with ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Michigan salary details

$55.3K

$128.6K

$179.1K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Michigan is $128,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineer contractor?

Software Engineer Contractors are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain software applications. Unlike full-time employees, they typically work for a predetermined period or on specific projects for a company. Contractors may work independently or through contracting agencies and often have flexibility regarding work hours and location. Their expertise is sought after for specialized tasks, scaling development teams, or covering skill gaps within organizations.

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

To thrive as a Software Engineer Contractor, you need advanced programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of software development lifecycles, often backed by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with source control systems (like Git), cloud platforms, and project management tools, as well as proficiency in key programming languages, is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and self-motivation are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and managing project-based workloads. These skills ensure high-quality deliverables, effective client communication, and successful navigation of varied contract environments.

How does the work structure and team integration typically differ for software engineer contractors compared to full-time employees?

As a Software Engineer Contractor, you will often work on specific projects or deliverables within a defined contract period, which may mean less involvement in long-term planning or company-wide initiatives. Contractors are usually integrated into existing development teams, collaborating closely with full-time engineers, project managers, and QA staff, but may have less access to certain internal resources or benefits. While you can expect to contribute to daily stand-ups, code reviews, and agile sprints, the onboarding process and access to proprietary tools or systems may be streamlined for contractors. This role offers valuable exposure to diverse tech stacks and industries, and successful contracts can lead to extended engagements or full-time offers.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Contractor vs Software Engineer Full-Time Employee?

AspectSoftware Engineer ContractorSoftware Engineer Full-Time Employee
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and technical skills; certifications optionalSame as contractor; often prefers ongoing professional development
Work EnvironmentProject-based, flexible hours, often remote or on-siteSteady, long-term employment, usually on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, startups, consulting firmsStandard in large corporations, tech companies, and enterprises
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for short-term or project-based rolesSeeking stable, long-term employment

In summary, Software Engineer Contractors typically work on short-term projects with flexible schedules, while full-time employees enjoy ongoing employment and benefits. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in work arrangement and job stability.

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,581 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Staff Embedded Software Engineer (Onsite)

Stryker

Portage, MI

$102K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Work Flexibility: Onsite

We are seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to lead the design, development, and documentation of embedded software for medical devices. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality, reliable, and compliant software solutions while adhering to internal software development lifecycle processes and FDA software development guidance.

In addition to product software development, you will partner with multidisciplinary teams to design and develop software for manufacturing fixtures and provisioning systems that support product configuration, testing, and in-line manufacturing processes. This role requires strong expertise in embedded systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to influence technical direction while delivering solutions that enhance product quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.


What You Will Do

  • Design and develop embedded software and supporting documentation for medical devices in accordance with internal software development lifecycle processes and FDA software development guidance.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Systems Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and Advanced Operations, to ensure effective communication and successful product development.

  • Support legacy products through root-cause investigation, defect resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Partner with multidisciplinary teams to plan and execute software verification and validation activities.

  • Conduct advanced problem solving, identify potential solutions, and evaluate them against system and sub-system requirements.

  • Collaborate with Advanced Operations, Manufacturing, and third-party suppliers to develop and review manufacturing fixture software and ensure deliverables meet quality and software documentation standards.


What You Need (Minimum Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline

  • 4+ years of professional work experience

  • Experience in C/C++ software development for embedded systems.

  • Hands-on experience with Python development, including scripting, automation, and application development.

Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Desired)

  • Experience developing embedded software using C/C++ on bare-metal and/or RTOS-based embedded platforms.

  • Strong experience in Python programming, including design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications.

    Experience driving adoption of software lifecycle management and requirements traceability tools and processes.

  • Understanding of embedded communication protocols, including CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, USB, Ethernet, or similar technologies.

  • Knowledgeable with integrated development environments (IDE) for projects.

  • Knowledgeable with tools for static/dynamic analysis, memory management, code coverage and techniques for analyzing software.

  • Knowledge in creating estimates for code implementation time/resource for assigned tasks and projects.

  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance standards applied to the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).

  • Experience using source control systems such as GitHub, Perforce or similar, including branching, merging, code reviews, and release management workflows.

  • Knowledge in build systems and automation tools such as Jenkins, CMake, or equivalent CI/CD frameworks.

$102,600 - $171,000 USD Annual

Travel Percentage: 10%Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.