Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Advanced

Zebra Technologies; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel required

Job summary

Zebra Technologies in Lincolnshire, IL is seeking a highly technical Forward Deployed Software Engineer to lead the deployment of Zebra AI products and tailor solutions for customer environments. You will work closely with customers and Zebra engineering teams to address key challenges and drive successful outcomes.

Responsibilities include designing AI-driven software for on-site deployments, defining project scope, and guiding cross-functional teams from requirements through delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in computer science, software engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's or 8+ with advanced degree.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models in on-prem or cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of Zebra AI products at customer sites.
• Engineer customized AI solutions for client environments.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams to guide product development.
• Design and test AI-driven software for complex systems.
• Define project scope, objectives, and architecture.
• Provide technical leadership across engineering disciplines.
• Develop data pipelines for AI processing on Edge/Android platforms.
• Maintain quality through all phases of development and inspections.
• Document methodologies for broader team use.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and customers to achieve goals.

Skills

AI/ML deployment

Edge computing

Cloud platforms

Programming languages

System architecture

Communication with stakeholders

GenAI in SDLC

Performance optimization

APIs integration

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or higher in CS/EE/SE

Advanced degree

Tools

NVIDIA CUDA toolkit

MLOps platforms

Cloud (AWS/GCP/Azure)

AI/ML pipelines

APIs integration tooling

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].

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 [e-mail].

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.

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 Zebra Privacy Policy.