Frontline AI- Principal Software Engineer

Zebra Technologies•Holtsville, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.