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Forward Deployed Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Overview We are seeking a full-time, fully remote Forward Deployed Software Engineer II to design, build, and deploy production-grade solutions on Palantir Foundry. Working closely with ...

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Forward Deployed Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do forward deployed software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for forward deployed software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like Java, Python, or C++), problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with cloud platforms, data integration tools, and experience with version control systems like Git are typically required, along with industry certifications being a plus. Excellent communication, adaptability, and client-facing skills help you understand and address unique customer needs in dynamic environments. These skills ensure you can deliver effective, tailored software solutions in fast-paced, client-centric roles.

What is the difference between Forward Deployed Software Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectForward Deployed Software EngineerSoftware Engineer
Primary FocusCustomer-facing solutions, deployment, and real-world applicationCore software development, coding, and system design
Work EnvironmentOn-site with clients or in dynamic, fast-paced settingsOffice or remote, primarily in development teams
Required SkillsStrong coding, communication, and client interactionDeep technical coding skills, system architecture
Industry UsageTech, consulting, and enterprise solutionsBroadly across tech, finance, healthcare, and more

Forward Deployed Software Engineers focus on deploying software solutions directly with clients, often requiring client interaction and deployment skills. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software systems. While both roles require strong coding skills, the FDE role emphasizes deployment, customer engagement, and real-world application, making it more dynamic and client-oriented.

What are Forward Deployed Software Engineers?

Forward Deployed Software Engineers (FDSEs) are software engineers who work directly with clients to understand their business needs and build custom technical solutions. Unlike traditional software engineers, FDSEs are often embedded with clients, sometimes on-site, to ensure that the software they develop aligns closely with client requirements. They act as a bridge between the product development team and the client, solving complex technical challenges in real-world environments. FDSEs need strong technical skills, adaptability, and excellent communication abilities, as their role combines engineering with client-facing responsibilities.

How does a Forward Deployed Software Engineer balance technical development work with client-facing responsibilities?

As a Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE), you often split your time between hands-on coding and directly engaging with client teams to understand their unique needs. This dual focus means you’ll frequently participate in meetings to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues on-site, and explain technical solutions in accessible terms. Successfully balancing these responsibilities requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to quickly learn new domains. While challenging, this blend of work provides FDSEs with deep exposure to real-world problems and accelerates their professional growth.
More about Forward Deployed Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Forward Deployed Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Forward Deployed Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forward Deployed Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Forward Deployed Software Engineer jobs are:
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Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE), Advanced

Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE), Advanced

Zebra Technologies

Holtsville, NY • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Zebra Technologies rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers


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:

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Advanced Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) with 8+ years of software engineering expertise in full stack and Android to work directly with our key enterprise customers.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly technical Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) to work directly with our customers.
In this advanced role, you will spearhead complex deployments of Zebra software, architect customized enterprise-grade solutions, and resolve high-stakes technical challenges to drive product success. As an advanced technical leader, you will leverage your deep frontline customer experience to heavily influence our internal engineering teams, driving the architectural vision and development of core solutions that proactively address complex customer pain points.
This role requires a minimum of 3-days per week in either our Holtsville, NY or Lincolnshire, IL office, 2 days remote (US)

Responsibilities

  • Establishes requirements for highly complex software design projects and provides leadership in defining project scope and objectives
  • Architects and designs software for highly complex systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and technical standards
  • Leads and participates in all phases of software development projects, including in process and final inspections to maintain quality
  • Conducts and oversees code reviews, implementing technical and quality improvements to ensure robust solutions
  • Develops innovative programs, technologies, and solutions, documenting methodologies for broader team use
  • Provides technical leadership across multiple engineering disciplines, leveraging expertise to influence program direction and outcomes
  • Designs and develops advanced tools to aid in solving complextechnical challenges and improving team efficiency
  • Fosters cross-company collaboration and builds strong relationships with other engineering disciplines to drive innovation and project success
  • Exercises considerable judgment within broadly defined policies and practices to deliver effective solutions
  • Networks with key internal and external stakeholders, including senior managementand customers, to coordinate efforts and achieve project goals
  • Represents 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. Anticipate workflow bottlenecks and proactively engineer customized solutions to resolve unique, highly specific client pain points.
  • Advanced Design & System Architecture:Utilize your extensive field experience to dictate system architecture, design patterns, and code quality standards. Lead complex code reviews and establish best practices to ensure our software is highly resilient, production-grade, and fully optimized for massive-scale deployment.
  • Elite Onsite Engineering & Support:Provide top-tier, on-premise technical leadership, which includes travel to client facilities. You are expected to be highly hands-on during critical phases-actively debugging complex systems, refactoring legacy code, and rapidly redeploying scalable solutions. Furthermore, you will act as a principal technical consultant, reviewing and potentially re-architecting the client's broader software ecosystem to resolve systemic issues, even those originating outside the Zebra ecosystem.
  • Enterprise Full-Stack & API Architecture:Architect, build, and scale highly resilient cloud-based backend infrastructures, intuitive user interfaces, and robust APIs. Ensure these components facilitate high-throughput, secure data exchange and seamless connectivity between our core solutions, enterprise client databases, and complex third-party ecosystems.
  • AI-Driven Development Leadership:Champion the adoption of AI coding assistants (like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude Code) across the team to accelerate development lifecycles, conduct 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
  • Minimum 6+ years of professional software engineering hands-on experience in full-stack cloud solutions. Must possess Android development skills or demonstrate the 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:A 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:A 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 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:

$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 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.


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