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Startup Software Development Intern Jobs in Michigan

Perform system-level debugging and root-cause analysis of complex issues (timing, memory, startup ... software development experience, including technical leadership/ownership of complex components.

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Power Drive Summer Intern

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Project Support * Assist the Software team in identifying the impact of AI and SDV in the ... Skill Development: Presentation skills through weekly updates to management team, knowledge of new ...

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Startup Software Development Intern information

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How much do startup software development intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for startup software development intern in Michigan is $14.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Startup Software Development Intern vs Startup Software Engineer?

AspectStartup Software Development InternStartup Software Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in CS or related fieldBachelor's or higher in CS or related field, possibly with experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, learning-focused, mentorship-drivenFull-time, project-driven, collaborative teams
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, tech companies, internships for skill developmentStartups, tech firms, core team members
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles, entry points into startupsCareer progression, full-time opportunities

The main difference between a Startup Software Development Intern and a Startup Software Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and employment status. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining initial industry exposure, while engineers are full-time professionals contributing to ongoing projects. Internships serve as learning opportunities, whereas engineers are integral team members driving product development.

What does a Startup Software Development Intern do?

A Startup Software Development Intern assists with coding, testing, and implementing software projects under the guidance of experienced developers. Their tasks may include debugging code, participating in team meetings, learning new technologies, and helping to build and improve web or mobile applications. In a startup environment, interns often gain exposure to multiple aspects of the software development lifecycle and may work on a variety of projects. This role provides hands-on experience and a chance to contribute to real products in a fast-paced, innovative setting.

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

To thrive as a Startup Software Development Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, familiarity with software development life cycles, and enrollment or completion of a computer science or related degree. Experience with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and popular programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript) is often required. Adaptability, eagerness to learn, and strong teamwork and communication skills are essential soft skills in startup environments. These qualities enable interns to contribute effectively, handle rapid changes, and maximize learning in the fast-paced, collaborative world of startups.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Startup Software Development Intern expect to work on, and how do these contribute to their professional growth?

As a Startup Software Development Intern, you’ll typically work on a mix of real-world projects such as building new features, fixing bugs, and contributing to product prototypes. Startups often have small, agile teams, so interns are given significant responsibility and autonomy early on. You’ll likely collaborate with senior engineers, product managers, and sometimes even the founders, gaining hands-on experience in the full software development lifecycle. This exposure not only sharpens your technical skills but also helps you develop problem-solving abilities and a strong understanding of startup culture, which can accelerate your future career in tech.
What are popular job titles related to Startup Software Development Intern jobs in Michigan? For Startup Software Development Intern jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Software Architect

Kaav Inc

Southfield, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Software Architect / Senior SW Engineer (Hybrid)
Location: Southfield, Michigan
Experience Level: Expert / Senior-Level
Industry: Automotive Embedded Systems


Job Summary:

We are looking for a hands-on Software Architect / Senior Software Engineer to lead the technical direction and deliver high-quality embedded software for an Automotive Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) ECU. This role will drive architecture decisions, improve platform stability and software quality, and actively contribute to design, implementation, integration, and issue resolution across the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own and evolve the software architecture for the IPC ECU platform, including module boundaries, interfaces, and integration strategy.
  • Design, develop, and maintain production embedded software in C (and supporting tools/scripts in Python as needed).
  • Lead technical decision-making for new features, defect fixes, and platform improvements with focus on quality, performance, and maintainability.
  • Perform system-level debugging and root-cause analysis of complex issues (timing, memory, startup, watchdog, communication, NVM, diagnostics, etc.).
  • Drive best practices for coding standards, design reviews, code reviews, and integration readiness to reduce defect injection.
  • Collaborate with Systems, Validation, Manufacturing, and Program teams to align requirements, delivery scope, and risk mitigation.
  • Support integration and releases across product variants; help stabilize builds and resolve high-priority issues quickly.
  • Mentor engineers and uplift team capability through hands-on guidance and technical leadership.
  • Produce clear technical documentation (architecture notes, design decisions, runbooks) to improve continuity and reduce dependency on tribal knowledge.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Electronics (or equivalent experience).
  • 15+ years of embedded software development experience, including technical leadership/ownership of complex components.
  • Strong proficiency in Embedded C, debugging, and software design for real-time systems.
  • Experience delivering software for automotive ECUs (instrument cluster experience is a plus).
  • Strong problem-solving skills with ability to lead investigations end-to-end and drive closure. 

Preferred Skills:

  • AUTOSAR Classic exposure and configuration workflows (Vector DaVinci or similar).
  • MCU/platform experience: Infineon Traveo II and/or Renesas families.
  • Diagnostics (UDS, DTC handling), NVM strategy (NvM/FEE/FLS concepts), flashing/reflash flows, bootloader/security concepts.
  • Experience with CI/build systems, integration branching strategies, and release discipline.