Jobs › Zebra Technologies

Data Scientist, Professional Senior

Zebra Technologies · Lincolnshire, IL · $108,960–$163,440 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 18, 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

Tell me about a machine learning model you built on machine-generated data. What was the business problem and what changed because of it?

What they are checking: Whether their models led to real decisions or product features, not just good offline metrics.

How do you work with data engineers when the data you need is spread across many sources and not well structured?

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate on pipelines rather than waiting for perfect data to show up.

How do you explain a model's results to a product manager who wants a simple yes or no answer?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate uncertainty clearly while still giving a useful recommendation.

As a senior data scientist, how do you review a junior colleague's modeling work?

What they are checking: Whether they can spot methodological problems and coach others toward rigor.

What would you do

Your model looks great in validation but performs poorly after deployment. What do you check?

What they are checking: Whether they think about leakage, data drift and mismatch between training and real-world data.

A stakeholder asks for an AI feature, but you think a simpler rule would work better. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they choose the right tool for the job even when a fancier one is requested.

About the work

How do you decide whether a problem calls for clustering, classification or regression?

What they are checking: Whether they frame the problem correctly before reaching for an algorithm.

Walk me through your feature engineering process on messy sensor or device data.

What they are checking: Whether they know how to handle noise, gaps and time-based structure in machine data.

Tell me about a statistical test you ran to measure whether something actually made a difference.

What they are checking: Whether their statistical reasoning is sound, including sample size and avoiding false positives.

How do you take a model from a notebook into production for a product feature?

What they are checking: Whether they understand deployment, monitoring and retraining as part of the job.

How do you handle a very large dataset that does not fit in memory?

What they are checking: Whether they can work with big data tools and sampling strategies sensibly.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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: Designs, develops, programs and implements Machine Learning Models (Clustering, Classification or Regressions models), Implements Artificial/Augmented Intelligence systems, Performs Statistical Modelling and Measurements by applying data engineering, feature engineering, statistical methods, ML modelling and AI techniques on structured, unstructured, diverse “big data” sources of machine acquire data to generate actionable insights and foresights for real life business problem solutions and product features development and enhancements. The Data Scientist Senior will be a member of a close-knit team of data analysts, data scientists, and software developers analyzing large, multidimensional datasets from internal and external sources. The Data Scientist Senior will develop and apply novel models on customer data in order to help identify areas to increase profits and reduce losses. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Designs and implementation of Regression based predictive models incorporating diverse data types. • Integrates state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms as well as the development of new methods. • Partners with experimentalists to translate models into testable hypotheses. • Develops tools to support analysis and visualization of large datasets. • Develops, codes software programs, implements industry standard auto ML models (Speech, Computer vision, Text Data), Statistical models, relevant ML models (devices/machine acquired data), AI models and algorithms. • Identifies meaningful foresights based on predictive ML models from large data and metadata sources; interprets and communicates foresights, insights and findings from experiments to product managers, service managers, business partners and business managers. • Makes use of Rapid Development Tools (Business Intelligence Tools, Graphics Libraries, Data modelling tools) to effectively communicate research findings using visual graphics, Data Models, machine learning model features, feature engineering / transformations to relevant stakeholders • Analyze, review and track trends and tools in Data Science, Machine Learning, Augmented Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and IoT space to help in making build/buy/partner recommendations • Interacts with Cross-Functional teams to identify questions and issues for data engineering, machine learning models feature engineering. • Evaluates and makes recommendations to evolve data collection mechanism for Data capture to improve efficacy of machine learning models prediction. • Helps efficiently maintain cloud Infrastructure for research, staging and beta/pilot environment (from costs perspective for working with huge data sets) • Mentors, guides, and indirectly leads less experienced Data Scientist peers • Drives innovation by fostering open, high energy, collaborative environment; lead participation in innovation summit and expos, recommend relevant training and conference for employees to attend, publish papers and patent disclosures • Meets with customers, partners, product managers and business leaders to present findings, predictions, foresights; Gather customer specific requirements of business problems/processes; Identify data collection constraints and alternatives for implementation of models. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Machine learning, or related discipline. • 5+ years experience required. Strong background in statistics, machine learning, deep learning and programming necessary, along with time series forecasting. • Hands-on experience with the Azure cloud platform, particularly Azure Databricks. Proficient in large-scale data processing using PySpark and querying with Databricks SQL. • Demonstrable experience building and deploying end-to-end ML solutions. Familiarity with CI/CD principles and tools like GitHub Actions, and experience with automated deployment frameworks such as Databricks Asset Bundles. Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s preferred. • Experience in solving large-scale real-world industry problems, preferably in collaboration with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams. • Knowledge of statistical programming techniques and languages (e.g., R, Python, Java, etc.). • Working knowledge of common machine learning and deep learning approaches (e.g. regression, clustering, classification, dimensionality reduction, supervised and unsupervised techniques, Bayesian reasoning, boosting, random forests, deep learning) and data analysis packages (e.g. scikit-learn, pyclustering, pathways analysis, MLlib). • Prior experience with Tensorflow. • Prior experience in Natural Language Processing using NLTK. • Retail industry experience desired. • Experience using cloud compute (e.g. Google Cloud • Platform, AWS, Azure). • Familiarity with NoSQL databases, graphical analyses, and large-scale data processing frameworks (e.g. Apache Spark). • Solid understanding of data structures, software design and architecture.Ability to work independently and take initiative, but also a cooperative team player. 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: $108,960.00 - $163,440.00 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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