Android Developer Experience Lead

Zebra Technologies Corporation; Holtsville (NY); On-site; USD 138,800 - 208,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Flexible work hours

Annual company-wide well-being day

Job summary

Zebra Technologies Corporation is seeking an Android Developer Experience Lead to establish and lead the Developer Experience function for their Android platform. You will spearhead initiatives that enhance the developer ecosystem, collaborating closely with partners and internal teams.

This hybrid position requires a minimum of three days per week in one of our office locations. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in software engineering and a profound understanding of developer tools.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 7+ years with an Advanced Degree.
• Deep expertise in Android platform and application development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical talent.

Responsibilities

• Chair and lead the Android Developer Experience Council.
• Develop and maintain the strategic roadmap for the Android developer experience.
• Promote DevEx initiatives across internal teams and external partner networks.

Skills

Expertise in software architecture

Strong programming skills in Java and Kotlin

Proven experience with public-facing APIs

Strong strategic thinking skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Android Studio

Gradle

Job description

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

Zebra Technologies powers millions of Android devices deployed across enterprise and frontline workforce environments globally. As our Android platform has scaled, the opportunity to build a unified, world‑class developer experience has never been greater. As the Android Developer Experience Lead, you will establish and spearhead the Developer Experience (DevEx) function for Zebra’s most critical developer platform. Your mission is to elevate the experience for partners, ISVs, and internal teams into a cohesive, world‑class developer ecosystem. This role is pivotal in making our Android platform a clear choice for developers by accelerating innovation through robust tooling, exceptional support, and emerging technologies like Agentic AI. You will launch the function and scale it across all Android‑based Business Units, creating a durable competitive advantage for Zebra.

This is a hybrid position and requires a minimum of three days per week in one of the Zebra office locations listed below. Zebra reserves the right to modify your work location based on business need.

• Lincolnshire, IL
• Holtsville, NY
• Austin, TX
• Kennesaw, GA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Chair and lead the Android Developer Experience Council, setting the technical agenda, facilitating rigorous design reviews, and driving cross‑functional decisions.
• Author and enforce API Guidelines, establishing standards for API design, documentation, and versioning.
• Champion the ‘API as a Product’ mindset, ensuring every developer‑facing interface is treated with the rigor of a customer‑facing product.
• Act as the chief evangelist for the Android developer platform, promoting DevEx initiatives and best practices across internal teams and external partner networks.
• Represent Zebra at industry conferences, developer summits, and community events to build Zebra’s credibility and visibility.
• Develop and oversee technical training programs, workshops, and enablement materials to accelerate developer onboarding and platform mastery.
• Develop and maintain the strategic roadmap for the Android developer experience, balancing foundational tooling with forward‑looking AI automation.
• Serve as the ‘Voice of the Developer’ inside Zebra, leveraging community insights to drive platform improvements and reduce the learning and adoption curve.
• Hold authority to block API or SDK releases that do not meet established guidelines, ensuring standards are enforced.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 7+ years of experience with an Advanced Degree.
• Experience in software engineering with deep expertise in the Android platform, its application development lifecycle, and developer tools (Android Studio, Gradle, etc.).
• Strong programming skills in Java and Kotlin.
• Proven experience designing, building, and maintaining public‑facing APIs and SDKs.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Travel Requirements: Up to 15%
• Able to Telework: Hybrid work model available.
• Hybrid Physical Demands: Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting or standing.
• Expertise in software architecture, system design, and scalable software solutions for enterprise‑level applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of multiple programming languages, advanced software development methodologies, and adopting GenAI in the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams and drive complex, high‑impact projects to completion.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with a focus on long‑term technical and business goals.
• Exceptional innovation and creativity in solving complex challenges and developing novel solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical talent, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience engaging with senior leadership and external customers.
• Familiarity with intellectual property protection, competitor analysis, and industry trends.
• Strong understanding of modern API design principles and modern software design patterns.
• Familiarity with leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic AI frameworks for code generation and automated testing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross‑functional technical initiatives and drive consensus.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to engineering, partner, and executive audiences.

Pay Range

$138,800.00 - $208,200.00 annually.

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 15% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

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 company‑wide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success.

In addition, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits program that includes healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, continued learning and development, community service days, insurance, parental leave, an employee assistance program, and paid time off.

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 [e-mail].