Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)

Overview:

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For:

Spearheads complex deployments of software, architects customized enterprise-grade cloud and android solutions, and works directly with key enterprise customers to resolve high-stakes technical challenges, deployments and drive product success. In this customer-facing role, leverages deep frontline experience to heavily influence internal engineering teams, driving the architectural vision and development of core solutions that proactively address complex customer pain points.
Analyzes, designs, develops, and maintains software solutions for the organization’s products and systems. Leads system integration of software and hardware to ensure consistent performance and program reliability. Develops, validates, and tests software functionality and user documentation. Work is evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives and quality standards are met. Determines and develops innovative approaches to solve complex problems, leveraging technical expertise and industry best practices.
This role requires a minimum of 3-days per week in either our Holtsville, NY (preferred location) or Lincolnshire, IL office, 2 days remote (US)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes requirements for moderately complex software design projects
• Prioritizes features to ensure the most impactful are implemented first
• Leads and participates in code reviews, proactively identifying and addressing issues early in the development process
• Completes all phases of moderately complex software design and development projects, including in process and final inspections to meet quality standards
• Develops and tests comprehensive documentation to support software projects, including design specifications, code comments, and user manuals
• Explores and applies the latest technologies and innovative approaches to enhance software designs and implementations
• Reviews and refines existing software or firmware designs, identifying opportunities for optimization and improvement
• Provides recommendations and solutions to technical problems, leveraging expertise across multiple technical domains
• May develop custom tools or scripts to streamline analysis, debugging, or problem solving processes
• Exercises sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques to deliver effective solutions to complex problems
• Works with minimal supervision, receiving general guidance on new assignments and strategic objectives
• Provides mentorship and guidance to junior level personnel, including both exempt and non-exempt team members
• Builds strong professional networks with senior internal and external stakeholders, frequently engaging in inter-organizational and customer-focused discussions

Forward Deployment Responsibilities:

• Enterprise Pilot Strategy & Deployment:
  Lead the hands-on deployment, technical development and validation of Zebra's Android and cloud-based solutions during high-stakes customer pilots. Conduct technical workshops, customize and guide the seamless roll-out of devices and software into live, mission-critical operations.
• Customer Workflow Optimization & Architecture Review:
  Act as a key technical consultant by reviewing real-world customer workflows, system use cases, and deployment environments. Analyze the customer's end-to-end software architecture to identify integration bottlenecks and ensure Zebra solutions fit seamlessly within their ecosystem.
• Hands-on Design, Code, & Troubleshooting:
  Develop, diagnose, debug, and troubleshoot complex software and device-level issues directly in the field. Actively review, design, and write high-quality code (spanning local Android to backend cloud integrations) to rapidly deploy stable, scalable solutions.
• Android & Cloud Solution Integration:
  Bridge the requirements gap in device-side Android applications and cloud solutions. Ensure secure connectivity, robust API integrations, and smooth data exchange between Zebra mobile devices, cloud backends, and existing third-party enterprise databases.
• AI-Assisted Efficiency:
  Incorporate modern, Zebra-approved AI coding tools (such as Claude Code) to accelerate troubleshooting, write efficient code, and optimize application performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant software engineering experience. 3+ years of experience with an Advanced Degree
• Professional software engineering experience specializing in full-stack cloud solutions required.
• A demonstrated ability to proactively take initiative in diagnosing bugs and writing real-time code to resolve complex challenges required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred
• Communication: Proven ability to articulate technical concepts and use cases clearly to both engineering teams and non-technical customer stakeholders.
• AI Adaptation: A forward-thinking mindset with an enthusiasm for leveraging AI-assisted development tools to optimize coding speed and output quality.

Technology Skills

• Backend: Java, Spring Boot, Hibernate, Node.js
• Frontend: JavaScript (ReactJS)
• Cloud & Tools: Google Cloud (GCP), Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Microservices
• Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Firebase
• AI Tools: GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude Code
• Preferred: Android Development (Android SDK, Kotlin/Java)

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Proficient in multiple programming languages and software development frameworks
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, system-level programming, and adopting GenAI in Software Development Lifecycle
• Experience with software testing strategies, debugging tools, and performance optimization techniques• Ability to evaluate and integrate new technologies into existing software solutions
• Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub) and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to mentor and influence junior team members
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and engaging with external customers or stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities
• Backend: Java, Spring Boot, Node.js (Express/NestJS)
• Frontend: JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS
• Cloud & Tools: Multi-Cloud (GCP, AWS, or Azure), Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, Microservices architecture
• Databases: Relational (MySQL/PostgreSQL), NoSQL (MongoDB), Data Warehousing (BigQuery)
• AI Assisted Development: GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, or equivalent AI coding assistants
• Advanced Android Development (Android SDK, Kotlin/Java)

Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [email protected].

Know Your Rights:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Conozca sus Derechos:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at [email protected] .

Pay Range:

$96,800.00 - $145,200.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation:

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 10% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards:

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.

Benefits:

We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.

Job Posting Statement:

To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e-mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.

AI Technology Statement:

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy.