Frontline AI- Principal Software Engineer

Zebra Technologies; Holtsville (NY); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Healthcare benefits

Learning & development

Job summary

Zebra Technologies in Holtsville, NY, seeks a Frontline AI Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture, design, and development of multi-platform software solutions. You will drive long-term technical strategy and mentor engineers in cutting-edge AI and vision technologies.

Role is onsite in Holtsville, NY or Lincolnshire, IL with hybrid work (minimum 3 days in the office). Travel up to 15% and engagement with senior leadership on enterprise architectures and developer blueprints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience OR 7+ years of experience with a master's degree.
• Experience in software architecture, system design, and scalable software solutions bridging enterprise-level backend systems with modern client applications.
• In-depth knowledge of core native mobile development (Android/Kotlin, Java) and multi-platform/web frameworks (React Native).
• Strong knowledge of applied computer vision, edge AI, and ML integration (OCR, TensorFlow Lite).
• Proficiency in GenAI/AI-assisted tools within the Software Development Lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Architects and oversees the development of software solutions for complex projects (multi-platform apps).
• Leads technology roadmap and data integration / edge AI processing initiatives.
• Mentors senior engineers and fosters technical excellence across teams.
• Drives innovation, ensuring competitive alignment and IP protection.
• Collaborates with other engineering disciplines on GenAI and OCR integrations.
• Represent Zebra as a technical spokesperson on enterprise architectures.

Skills

Architecting software

Cross-functional leadership

GenAI/AI tools

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

10+ years experience OR 7+ with master's

Tools

Android Kotlin/Java

React Native

TensorFlow Lite

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.

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

As a Frontline AI Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the architecture, design, and development of software solutions for the organization’s most complex and high impact projects. Drives long-term technical strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and competitive industry trends. Operates under consultative direction, setting and pursuing courses of action essential to achieve long-range business goals. Serves as a technical expert and mentor, influencing the organization’s technical direction and fostering innovation.

Location- ***Role is required to be onsite in Holtsville, NY OR Lincolnshire, IL office (Hybrid- Minimum of 3 days in the office per week).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Architects, designs, and oversees the development of software solutions for highly complex technical projects, specifically targeting customer-facing multi-platform applications (React Native, web), deep Android capabilities (background services, camera integrations), and robust backend data integrations.
• Engineers intelligent application and Android framework architectures that leverage the latest developments from Google. Continuously monitors and experiments with the newest AI edge developments and modern OS concepts (such as App Functions) to keep our solutions at the industry's cutting edge.
• Creates detailed software specifications and leads the technology roadmap process, recommending project approaches and long-term goals for data capture, mobile architecture, and edge AI processing.
• Champions innovation and cultivates creativity among team members, fostering an environment that attracts and retains top talent.
• Leads and advises on all aspects of the software development lifecycle, prioritizing modular, maintainable architectures, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Monitors competitor products and development strategies, ensuring the organization’s mobile and vision designs exceed industry standards.
• Develops next-generation technologies and solutions (e.g., integrating GenAI SDKs, advanced OCR, and on-device ML workflows) in collaboration with other engineering disciplines, anticipating and addressing client needs before the competition.
• Protects intellectual property by analyzing competitor patents and contributing to related organizational initiatives.
• Serves as a strategic thought leader for both the organization and our customers, representing Zebra as a spokesperson on specialized projects, developer blueprints, and next-generation enterprise architectures.
• Serves as a thought leader, representing the organization as a spokesperson on specialized projects, developer blueprints, and reference applications.
• Establishes formal networks and coordinates efforts across teams and organizational units to achieve shared objectives.
• Acts as a prime consultant and advisor for projects impacting the organization’s long-term technical and business goals.
• Provides strategic mentorship to senior engineers and management, fostering knowledge sharing and technical excellence in modern development tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
• 10+ years of professional experience OR 7+ years of experience with a master's degree
• Experience in software architecture, system design, and scalable software solutions bridging enterprise-level backend systems with modern client applications.
• In-depth knowledge of core native mobile development (Android Kotlin/Java, deep background services, OS internals, Camera/Media APIs) and multi-platform/web frameworks (React Native).
• Strong foundational knowledge of applied computer vision, edge AI, and ML integration (image preprocessing, OCR, barcode decoding, TensorFlow Lite).
• Proficiency in advanced software development methodologies and pragmatic experience adopting GenAI/AI-assisted tools within the Software Development Lifecycle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and drive complex, high-impact projects from prototype to production.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with a focus on long-term technical architecture and business goals.
• Exceptional innovation and creativity in solving complex challenges (e.g., barcode-vs-OCR trade-offs, real-time memory/latency constraints) and developing novel enterprise 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 enterprise customers.
• Familiarity with intellectual property protection, competitor analysis, and industry trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration experience
• Strategic Mindset: A keen awareness of the competitive landscape in mobile AI and the ability to translate that knowledge into a forward-looking technical strategy.

Location- ***Role is required to be onsite in Holtsville, NY OR Lincolnshire, IL office (Hybrid- Minimum of 3 days in the office per week).

Position Specific Information

• Travel Requirements: Up to 15%
• Able to Telework?: Hybrid

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

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Conozca Sus Derechos

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Pay Range

$138,800.00 - $208,200.00 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 15% 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.