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Backend Java Developer

Zebra Technologies · Lincolnshire, IL · $122,800–$184,200 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role includes system integration of software and hardware. Tell me about a time you integrated with a device or system you did not control.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle unreliable interfaces, odd protocols and debugging across the hardware boundary.

Tell me about documentation you wrote that someone else actually used.

What they are checking: Whether they write documentation that helps people, since the role calls for user documentation too.

How do you handle a code review where a senior engineer disagrees with your approach?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend their reasoning, learn from feedback and move forward without ego.

What would you do

A service is slow under load in production but fine in testing. How do you find the problem?

What they are checking: Whether they use profiling, metrics and logs methodically instead of guessing at fixes.

You are given a vague goal and a lot of freedom to define the work. How do you get started?

What they are checking: Whether they can set their own objectives and clarify requirements, which the role's latitude depends on.

About the work

Walk me through the design of a backend service you built in Java. What would you change if you built it again?

What they are checking: Whether they own design decisions and can reflect honestly on tradeoffs they made.

How do you design a REST API that other teams and devices will depend on for years?

What they are checking: Whether they think about versioning, contracts and backward compatibility, not just getting the endpoint to work.

How do you handle concurrency in Java, and tell me about a threading bug you have run into.

What they are checking: Whether they understand thread safety and have real scars from debugging race conditions.

What is your approach to testing backend code, from unit tests up to integration tests?

What they are checking: Whether they validate their own work thoroughly, since the posting expects them to develop and test with minimal supervision.

How do you decide between a relational database and something else for a new feature?

What they are checking: Whether they choose storage based on the data and access patterns rather than habit.

How would you make a service more reliable when a downstream system it calls fails often?

What they are checking: Whether they know retries, timeouts, circuit breakers and graceful degradation for real-world reliability.

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The full job description

As published by Zebra Technologies.

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: Analyzes, designs, develops, and maintains software for the organization’s products and systems. Performs system integration of software and hardware to ensure consistency, reliability, and throughput. Develops, validates, and tests software structures and user documentation. Operates with minimal supervision and exercises significant latitude in determining the objectives of assignments, contributing to complex and high-impact projects. This is a hybrid position working on-site at our corporate office located in Lincolnshire, IL for a minimum of 3 days a week. Essential Duties and 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 complex technical 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 management and customers, to coordinate efforts and achieve project goals • Represents the organization as a technical expert and principal customer contact on critical projects Job Requirements: • Bachelors Degree or Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline • 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree, or 5+ years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree • Equivalency: Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree • Experience in programing using Java and developing microservices instances using Spring boot. • Expertise in CICD pipelines, Dockers, Kubernetes, Jenkins and GKE (Google Kubernetes Engine) • Expertise in PostgreSQL, and development methodologies like SCM, build automation. Key Skills and Competencies: • Advanced proficiency in multiple programming languages and software architecture • Deep understanding of software design patterns, system level programming, performance optimization techniques, and adopting GenAI in the Software Development Lifecycle • Proven ability to lead technical projects and provide mentorship to junior engineers • Strong analytical and problem solving skills with experience tackling highly complex technical challenges • Familiarity with competitor products and industry trends to inform strategic design decisions • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across organizational boundaries • Experience developing innovative solutions and technologies to meet evolving business and customer needs • Strong knowledge of intellectual property protection and competitive analysis 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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