Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)

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.

About the role

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. This role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in either our Holtsville, NY (preferred location) or Lincolnshire, IL office, with 2 days remote (US).

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Technology Skills

• Backend: Java, Spring Boot, Hibernate, Node.js
• Frontend: JavaScript (ReactJS), TypeScript
• Cloud & Tools: Google Cloud (GCP), Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Microservices, Multi-Cloud (GCP, AWS, or Azure)
• Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Firebase, NoSQL (MongoDB), Data Warehousing (BigQuery)
• AI Tools: GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, or equivalent AI coding assistants
• Android Development (Preferred): Android SDK, Kotlin/Java

Benefits

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.

• Hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.

Pay

Pay Range: $96,800.00 - $145,200.00 annually.

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. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.

Schedule

• Minimum of 3 days per week in-office (Holtsville, NY preferred or Lincolnshire, IL) and 2 days remote (US).
• Travel Requirements: Up to 25%.