Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Advanced

RXinsider LTD.; Lincolnshire (IL); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Healthcare

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Zebra is seeking a highly technical Forward Deployed Software Engineer to lead deployment of AI products for customers and collaborate with internal engineering teams. You will guide development of core solutions addressing customer pain points and translate field challenges to improve models.

The role requires strong software architecture, MLOps experience, and the ability to work across enterprise systems. Travel is required and on-site work with customer teams is common.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree or 5+ years with an Advanced Degree.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models and leading customer-facing deployments.
• Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise tools and APIs.

Responsibilities

• Works on-site with customer teams to remove blockers and guide adoption.
• Architects and designs AI-driven software for complex systems.
• Leads in all phases of software development projects and ensures quality.
• Represents the organization as a technical expert and primary customer contact.

Skills

AI/ML

Customer engagement

Multi-language programming

Data pipelines

System design

CUDA toolkit

MLOps

Cloud platforms

Architectural patterns

Communication

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE or related

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Nvidia CUDA toolkit

AWS

GCP

Azure

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

We are seeking a highly technical Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) to work directly with our customers. In this role, you will lead the deployment of Zebra AI products, engineer customized solutions, and resolve complex technical challenges to drive product success. Additionally, you will leverage your frontline customer experience to collaborate closely with our internal Engineering teams, guiding the development of core solutions that directly address customer pain points.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Works on-site or closely with customer teams to remove technical blockers and guide adoption. Translates field challenges back to core product and research teams to improve foundational models
• Design and test a variety of AI-driven software assignments as part of a project deployed in customer's environments.
• Establishes requirements for complex software design projects and provides leadership in defining project scope and objectives
• Architects and designs software for highly complex AI driven systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and technical standards
• Leads and participates in all phases of software development projects, including in process and final inspections to maintain quality
• Develops innovative programs, technologies, and solutions; documenting methodologies for broader team use
• Provides technical leadership across multiple engineering disciplines, leveraging expertise to influence program direction and outcomes
• Maintains and deploys AI-powered applications on Edge Devices and Android platform, including creating data pipelines to on-premises servers for AI processing
• Exercises considerable judgment within broadly defined policies and practices to deliver effective solutions
• Networks with key internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and customers, to coordinate efforts and achieve project goals
• Represents the organization as a technical expert and principal customer contact on critical projects

Job Requirements

• Bachelors Degree or Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree, 5+ years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree

Key Skills And Competencies

• Knowledge or previous projects in training and fine tuning AI models is highly desired.
• Exposure to Nvidia CUDA toolkit.
• Experience with MLOps and deploying AI/ML models on-prem and in cloud environment (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise tools and APIs.
• A pragmatic, \"builder\" mindset with a passion for prototyping and iterative development.
• Advanced proficiency in multiple programming languages and software architecture
• Deep understanding of software design patterns, system level programming, performance optimization techniques, and adopting GenAI in the Software Development Lifecycle
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with experience tackling highly complex technical challenges
• Familiarity with competitor products and industry trends to inform strategic design decisions
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across organizational boundaries
• Experience developing innovative solutions and technologies to meet evolving business and customer needs
• Travel is required.

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].

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Pay Range

$122,800.00 - $184,200.00 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 12% 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.