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System Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Systems Software Engineer I

Detroit, MI · On-site

$158K - $187K/yr

Systems Software Engineer I Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Systems Software ... Document changes to system functions and/or configurations for technical and customer reference ...

Company Description Miracle Software Systems, Inc. is Premier Partner of IBM and a National ... Key Responsibilities: - Software developer with responsibilities to Define, Design, Develop, and ...

Company Description Miracle Software Systems, Inc. is Premier Partner of IBM and a National ... Key Responsibilities: - Software developer with responsibilities to Define, Design, Develop, and ...

Software Engineer I

Birmingham, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Software Engineer I Location: Remote, USA Employment Type: Full-Time Benefits offered ... Familiarity with cloudhosted or SaaSbased systems. * Introductory experience with automated testing ...

Software Engineer I

Rochester, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Software Engineer I Location: Remote, USA Employment Type: Full-Time Benefits offered ... Familiarity with cloudhosted or SaaSbased systems. * Introductory experience with automated testing ...

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Showing results 1-20

System Software Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$72.3K

$154.9K

$179.5K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Michigan is $154,899.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,800.00 and $178,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a system software engineer do?

A System Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the core software that enables computer hardware and system applications to function. This includes operating systems, device drivers, firmware, and other low-level software that interacts closely with hardware components. Their work ensures that systems run efficiently, securely, and reliably. They often collaborate with hardware engineers and application developers to optimize performance and troubleshoot complex technical issues.

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

To thrive as a System Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, a deep understanding of operating systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with low-level debugging tools, version control systems (such as Git), and kernel development environments is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for building reliable, high-performance system software that underpins critical applications and infrastructure.

What are some common challenges system software engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

System Software Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as maintaining system stability while integrating new features, ensuring compatibility across diverse hardware platforms, and optimizing performance under heavy workloads. Coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as hardware engineers and application developers, is essential to address these complexities. Additionally, they must stay updated with evolving technologies and adhere to rigorous testing and debugging practices to prevent system failures.

What is the difference between System Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectSystem Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; often some experience with systems programmingBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; focus on application development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining operating systems, firmware, or system-level applicationsCreating user-facing applications, websites, or mobile apps
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, embedded systemsSoftware firms, startups, enterprise applications
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to system-level programmingLooking for application or web development roles

System Software Engineers focus on developing and maintaining system-level software like operating systems and firmware, requiring knowledge of hardware and low-level programming. Software Developers typically create applications and user-facing software, emphasizing higher-level programming skills. Both roles often share similar educational backgrounds but differ in their work focus and environment.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to System Software Engineer jobs in MI?

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

Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,899 per year, or $74.5 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer I

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$158K - $187K/yr

Other

Posted 8 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

289th of 618 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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