Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE), Advanced

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 customers’ and partners’ 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 This is an excellent opportunity for a highly technical Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) to work directly with our customers. In this role, you will lead the deployment of Zebra software, architect customized enterprise‑grade solutions, and resolve high‑stakes technical challenges to drive product success. You will be a strategic leader with deep frontline customer experience, heavily influencing our internal Engineering teams, and driving the architectural vision and development of core solutions that proactively address complex customer pain points. Role is required to be onsite in Holtsville, NY (Hybrid – minimum of 3 days in the office per week). Responsibilities Establish requirements for highly complex software design projects and provide leadership in defining project scope and objectives Architect and design software for highly complex systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and technical standards Lead and participate in all phases of software development projects, including process and final inspections to maintain quality Conduct and oversee code reviews, implementing technical and quality improvements to ensure robust solutions Develop innovative programs, technologies, and solutions, documenting methodologies for broader team use Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering disciplines, leveraging expertise to influence program direction and outcomes Design and develop advanced tools to aid in solving complex technical challenges and improving team efficiency Foster cross‑company collaboration and build strong relationships with other engineering disciplines to drive innovation and project success Exercise considerable judgment within broadly defined policies and practices to deliver effective solutions Network with key internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and customers, to coordinate efforts and achieve project goals Represent the organization as a technical expert and principal customer contact on critical projects Forward Deployment Responsibilities Enterprise Pilot Strategy & Deployment: Spearhead the strategy and execution of large‑scale pilot programs at key customer locations, facilitate comprehensive knowledge transfer, lead technical workshops, and ensure seamless software adoption and transition to live, mission‑critical operations. Customer Workflow Optimization & Consulting: Serve as a strategic technical advisor by gaining an expert understanding of how Zebra solutions fit into complex, real‑world enterprise environments, anticipating workflow bottlenecks and engineering customized solutions to resolve unique client pain points. Advanced Design & System Architecture: Dictate system architecture, design patterns, and code quality standards, lead complex code reviews and establish best practices to ensure highly resilient, production‑grade software optimized for massive‑scale deployment. Elite Onsite Engineering & Support: Provide top‑tier, on‑premise technical leadership, including travel to client facilities, actively debugging complex systems, refactoring legacy code, and quickly redeploying scalable solutions; act as a principal technical consultant, reviewing and potentially re‑architecting client software ecosystems. Enterprise Full‑Stack & API Architecture: Architect, build, and scale highly resilient cloud‑based backend infrastructures, intuitive user interfaces, and robust APIs that enable high‑throughput, secure data exchange and seamless connectivity between Zebra core solutions, enterprise client databases, and complex third‑party ecosystems. AI‑Driven Development Leadership: Champion the adoption of AI coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, etc.) across the team to accelerate development lifecycles, perform advanced problem analysis, and architect superior, bug‑free solutions. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline Minimum 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree, or 5+ years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree At least 6 years of professional software engineering hands‑on experience in full‑stack cloud solutions, possessing Android development skills or demonstrating ability to learn rapidly Backend: Java, Spring Boot, Node.js (Express/NestJS) Frontend: JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS Cloud & Tools: Multi‑Cloud (GCP, AWS, or Azure), Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, Microservices architecture Databases: Relational (MySQL/PostgreSQL), NoSQL (MongoDB), Data Warehousing (BigQuery) AI Assisted Development: GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, or equivalent AI coding assistants Preferred Qualifications Executive Communication: Proven ability to translate highly complex technical architectures and use cases clearly to both global engineering teams and C‑suite/non‑technical customer stakeholders Expert Problem Solving: Proactive, strategic thinker capable of diagnosing obscure systemic bugs and writing real‑time, production‑ready code to resolve critical, time‑sensitive challenges in high‑pressure environments AI Adaptation & Strategy: Forward‑thinking mindset with strong enthusiasm for leveraging and integrating AI‑assisted development tools to optimize the entire software development lifecycle, coding speed, and output quality Advanced Android Development: Android SDK, Kotlin/Java Travel Willingness to travel to client locations to facilitate critical enterprise software deployments, lead architectural workshops, and provide on‑site technical resolution (approximate travel 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Know Your Rights: Conozca sus Derechos: 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 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 employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to 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 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 company‑wide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success. Job Posting Statement To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e‑mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft, contact your local police department. 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: #J-18808-Ljbffr