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System Engineer Phd Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Modeling Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

... PhD in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field. * Experience developing battery models for: * Lead- acid * AGM * Lithium- ion * Sodium- ion * Ultracapacitor systems #LI-TD1 #LI ...

Posted today

Senior Modeling Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

... PhD in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field. • Experience developing battery models for: o Lead-acid o AGM o Lithium-ion o Sodium-ion o Ultracapacitor systems #LI-TD1 #LI ...

New

Sr. Engineer - Model-Based Platform

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site +1

$98K - $135K/yr

Build-system integration for model-based workloads: action contracts, hermeticity, determinism, and ... Masters or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field, functional safety tool ...

Showing results 41-60

System Engineer Phd information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$53K

$125.9K

$165.3K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineer phd in Detroit, MI is $125,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $155,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system engineer PhD?

System Engineer PhDs are professionals who have earned a doctoral degree (PhD) in systems engineering or a closely related field. They specialize in designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems across various industries, such as aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing. Their advanced education enables them to conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and lead multidisciplinary teams to tackle large-scale engineering challenges. System Engineer PhDs often work in academia, research institutions, or high-level industry roles, focusing on optimizing system processes and integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system engineer PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Engineer PhD, you need advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles, research methodologies, and typically a doctorate in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink), systems engineering software (e.g., IBM DOORS), and relevant industry certifications are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovation, ensuring robust system design, and successfully managing sophisticated engineering challenges.

What are common challenges system engineer PhDs face when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

System Engineer PhDs often encounter challenges when shifting from academic research to industry, such as adapting to faster project timelines and working within cross-functional teams. In industry, there is typically a greater emphasis on practical application and collaboration, rather than theoretical exploration. Adjusting to structured workflows and aligning technical solutions with business objectives are also key transitions. However, this environment offers opportunities to see the tangible impact of your work and to advance into senior technical or leadership roles.

What is the difference between System Engineer Phd vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystem Engineer PhdNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsPhd in Engineering or related field, possibly with certifications like Cisco or CompTIAAssociate's or Bachelor's in Computer Science or related, with certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, or advanced technical teams in tech companiesNetwork operations centers, IT departments, or telecommunications firms
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, or organizations requiring advanced system designTelecom providers, enterprise IT, or service providers

The main difference between a System Engineer Phd and a Network Engineer lies in their focus and qualifications. System Engineers with a Phd typically engage in advanced system design, research, and development, often in research or high-tech environments. Network Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure, usually with industry certifications. Both roles are essential in tech industries but serve different technical needs and expertise levels.

What can I do with a PhD in system engineer?

A PhD in system engineering prepares individuals for advanced roles in research, development, and systems design across industries such as aerospace, defense, technology, and manufacturing. Graduates often work as systems engineers, research scientists, or technical consultants, utilizing skills in systems analysis, modeling, and simulation, and may pursue careers in academia or industry innovation.

What are popular job titles related to System Engineer Phd jobs in Detroit, MI?

For System Engineer Phd jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for System Engineer Phd jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most System Engineer Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,938 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Embedded Systems Software Engineer (Engineer Software 4) - 29063 (29063)

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Warren, MI

$117K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,812 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 29063 

Required Travel: 0 - 10%

Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $117,262.00 - $145,000.00 

Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain  

Level of Experience: Senior HI

This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.

HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.

Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes-regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:

  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.

Job Description

HII Mission Technologies has been selected as one of Military.com's "Top 25 Employers for Veterans in 2024" and we are a Forbes Best Large Employer for 2023!!!  

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? We are seeking talented and motivated Software Developers to join our team!  

Position Summary:
HII Mission Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Embedded Systems DevOps (Software Engineer 4) support and upskill our project teams. The primary goal of this role is to establish modern DevOps practices, design pipeline automation patterns, and drive a cultural pivot toward modernized software engineering. You will serve as a mentor for project teams developing embedded systems for ground vehicle platforms, helping them streamline their development lifecycles and leverage emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.

This role is on site in Warren, MI and cannot be done remotely. 


Come support our work with US Army's Gound Vehicle System Center and join a world class team of groundbreaking scientists and engineers!  


Details below! 

Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Pipeline Design & Standardization: Establish, document, and maintain DevOps pipeline automation design patterns tailored for embedded systems with software and hardware in the loop testing, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and organizational modernization goals.
  • Team Bootstrapping & Architecture: Assist project teams in setting up their baseline automation architecture and developing pipelines that leverage standardized design patterns while addressing their specific project constraints.
  • Mentorship & Upskilling: Mentor local project teams to drive the adoption of DevOps practices. Support a cultural pivot toward modern software engineering practices, helping to upskill and organically grow internal team capabilities.
  • Operational Support & Debugging: Act as a senior technical escalation point to assist development teams in debugging, troubleshooting, and maintaining pipeline automation infrastructure when necessary.
  • AI Integration & Innovation: Investigate, propose, and implement strategies for embedding AI capabilities into project workflows and pipeline automation to achieve measurable capability and efficiency gains (e.g., AI-assisted code reviews, intelligent test selection, automated debugging).
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of relevant industry experience blending embedded systems engineering with DevOps/Release Engineering.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance with the US DoD (US Citizenship Required) 
  • Embedded Systems & Ground Vehicle Domain:
    • Extensive experience in embedded software development (C, C++, Rust) for complex hardware systems.
    • Preferred: Familiarity with ground vehicle systems architecture, including common communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus, Ethernet, LIN) and middleware (e.g., ROS, AUTOSAR).
    • Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing environments.
    • Understanding of safety-critical compliance and quality standards commonly used in automotive or defense ground systems.
  • DevOps & Pipeline Automation:
    • Proven expertise in designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (gitlab experience is desired).
    • Strong background in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and configuration management (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).
    • Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) and their application in cross-compilation and embedded build environments.
    • Proficiency in scripting languages used for automation (e.g. Python, Bash).
    • Proficiency in Linux
  • Mentorship & Leadership
    • Demonstrated ability to lead technical transformations and drive cultural shifts within traditional engineering environments.
    • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex modern DevOps concepts to teams with legacy workflows.
    • Experience creating technical documentation, reference architectures, and training materials.
  • AI & Emerging Technologies
    • Familiarity with modern AI tools for developers (e.g., LLMs, GitHub Copilot, custom AI agents) and how to securely integrate them into an enterprise CI/CD pipeline.
    • Forward-thinking mindset with a track record of identifying and evaluating new technologies for process optimization.
Preferred Requirements
  • Relevant experience in a Department of War environment.
  • Familiarity with Department of War and specifically Army Software Modernization Policies.
  • Secret Clearance with the US DoD
Physical Requirements
  • Adequate visual acuity and manual dexterity for meeting the requirements Software Engineer family.


The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance? 
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.


Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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