Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Customer Facing

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 required
Minimum 5+ years of relevant software engineering experience OR 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.
Strong Customer facing experience-working with customers to understand and resolve technical challenges.
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 workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.
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 workplace.accommodations@zebra.com .
Pay Range:
$96,800.00 - $145,200.00 Annual
Incentive Compensation:
In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this rol

Skills
JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, Java, Spring Boot, Spring, Microservices, Git, Android