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:
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).
• 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.
• 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] .
Pay Range:
$138,800.00 - $208,200.00 AnnualIncentive 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.
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 our Zebra Privacy Policy.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
- 10+ years of professional experience, or 7+ years with a master's degree
- Experience in software architecture, system design, and scalable software solutions connecting enterprise backend systems with client applications
- In-depth knowledge of native Android development using Kotlin or Java, including background services, OS internals, and Camera or Media APIs
- Experience with multi-platform or web frameworks, including React Native
- Foundational knowledge of computer vision, edge AI, and machine learning integration, including image preprocessing, OCR, barcode decoding, and TensorFlow Lite
- Proficiency in advanced software development methodologies and practical experience adopting GenAI or AI-assisted tools in the software development lifecycle
- Master's degree
- Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and drive complex projects from prototype to production
- Strong strategic thinking focused on long-term technical architecture and business goals
- Innovation and creativity in solving complex technical challenges and developing enterprise solutions
- Ability to mentor and develop technical talent
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with senior leadership and external enterprise customers
- Familiarity with intellectual property protection, competitor analysis, and industry trends
- Cross-functional collaboration experience
- Strategic awareness of the competitive mobile AI landscape and ability to develop forward-looking technical strategy
Zebra Technologies Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Zebra Technologies and has not been reviewed or approved by Zebra Technologies.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Incentive programs include an annual cash bonus plan for regular employees and robust commission structures in sales, forming a meaningful part of total compensation. These incentives are consistently available and valued in corporate, administrative, and sales roles.
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage is comprehensive, complemented by company-paid life and disability insurance, telemedicine access, and an EAP. Coverage quality is generally regarded as strong across official materials and documented program summaries.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings include robust PTO, paid holidays, a company-wide zDay, volunteer time off, and meeting-light or flexible Friday programs. Paid parental leave and community service days further expand leave options, with availability outlined on company benefits pages.
Zebra Technologies Insights
What We Do
Zebra empowers those on the front line in retail, health care, transportation and logistics, manufacturing and other industries to achieve a performance edge -- an edge that translates to delighted customers, good patient outcomes and superior business results. As the pioneer at the edge of the enterprise, our products, software, services, analytics and solutions are used to intelligently connect your people, assets and data. With decades of industry experience, we design with front-line users and workplaces in mind, providing the best-action guidance needed to optimize in-motion operations and make business-critical decisions. With over 10,000 partners across 100 countries, we are committed to delivering industry-tailored solutions that help our customers capture their edge.
