Android Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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:

Zebra Technologies powers millions of Android devices deployed across enterprise and frontline workforce environments globally. As our Android platform has scaled, the opportunity to build a unified, world-class developer experience has never been greater.
As the Android Developer Experience Lead, you will establish and spearhead the Developer Experience (DevEx) function for Zebra's most critical developer platform. The mission is to elevate the experience for partners, ISVs, and internal teams into a cohesive, world-class developer ecosystem. This role is pivotal in making our Android platform a clear choice for developers by accelerating innovation through robust tooling, exceptional support, and emerging technologies like Agentic AI. You will launch the function and scale it across all Android-based Business Units, creating a durable competitive advantage for Zebra.
This role is a hybrid position and requires a minimum of three days per week in one of the Zebra office locations listed below: Zebra reserves the right to modify your work location based on business need.
- Lincolnshire, IL
- Holtsville, NY
- Austin, TX
- Kennesaw, GA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Chair and lead the Android Developer Experience Council, setting the technical agenda, facilitating rigorous design reviews, and driving cross-functional decisions.
• Author and enforce API Guidelines, establishing standards for API design, documentation, and versioning.
• Champion the 'API as a Product' mindset, ensuring every developer-facing interface is treated with the rigor of a customer-facing product.
• Act as the chief evangelist for the Android developer platform, promoting DevEx initiatives and best practices across internal teams and external partner networks.
• Represent Zebra at industry conferences, developer summits, and community events to build Zebra's credibility and visibility.
• Develop and oversee technical training programs, workshops, and enablement materials to accelerate developer onboarding and platform mastery.
• Develop and maintain the strategic roadmap for the Android developer experience, balancing foundational tooling with forward-looking AI automation.
• Serve as the 'Voice of the Developer' inside Zebra, leveraging community insights to drive platform improvements and reduce the learning and adoption curve.
• Hold authority to block API or SDK releases that do not meet established guidelines, ensuring standards are enforced.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical engineering or in a related field is required
• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 7+ years of experience with an Advanced Degree
• Experience in software engineering, with deep expertise in the Android platform, its application development lifecycle, and developer tools (Android Studio, Gradle, etc.).
• Strong programing skills in Java and Kotlin
• Proven experience designing, building, and maintaining public-facing APIs and SDKs.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Position Specific Information:
Travel Requirements: Up to 15%
Able to Telework?: Hybrid
Physical Demands:
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting or standing

• Expertise in software architecture, system design, and scalable software solutions for enterprise-level applications
• In-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages, advanced software development methodologies, and adopting GenAI in the Software Development Lifecycle
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and drive complex, high impact projects to completion
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with a focus on long-term technical and business goals
• Exceptional innovation and creativity in solving complex challenges and developing novel 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 customers
• Familiarity with intellectual property protection, competitor analysis, and industry trends
• Strong understanding of modern API design principles and modern software design patterns.
• Familiarity with leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic AI frameworks for code generation and automated testing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional technical initiatives and drive consensus.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to engineering, partner, and executive audiences.

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 workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.

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 workplace.accommodations@zebra.com .

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.

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.