Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Customer Facing

Zebra; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Competitive benefits

Career development

Job summary

Zebra in the United States seeks a senior software engineer to design and deploy enterprise cloud and Android solutions. You will work directly with key customers to resolve complex technical challenges and drive product success, mentoring junior staff and leading code reviews.

Role requires 5+ years of experience in software engineering and strong cloud/backend/frontend skills. Office work is preferred in Holtsville, NY or Lincolnshire, IL, with two remote days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years in software engineering or 3+ with advanced degree.
• Customer-facing experience in enterprise deployments.
• Experience with cloud, Android, and backend/frontend integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex software deployments and architect cloud/Android solutions.
• Collaborate with enterprise customers to resolve high-stakes challenges.
• Develop, test, and document software functionality across platforms.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in code reviews.
• Stay current with technologies and enable AI-assisted development.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Hibernate

Node.js

ReactJS

Google Cloud

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Microservices

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Firebase

Claude Code

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Git

GitHub

Android SDK

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

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

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 [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

$96,800.00 - $145,200.00

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 10% 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.