Principal Software Development Engineer - Golang/Python and Networking

Zscaler Softech; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Vacation & sick leave

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Education reimbursement

In‑office perks

Job summary

Zscaler is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer in Bangalore for a hybrid role reporting to the Director of Software Engineering. You will help build the world’s largest cloud security platform, shaping multitenant architecture and global footprint for 185 countries.

You will lead design and development of high‑performing networking features, collaborate with architects, PMs and customers, and coach team members while ensuring compliance with security certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in system engineering for high‑performance networking.
• Expertise in Linux kernel‑based networking (L2/L3), firewalls, NAT, drivers, routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/PIM) and protocols like VLANs, DHCP, DNS, TLS/DTLS, QUIC, IPsec, GRE, WireGuard.
• Proficiency in Go and Python with strong problem‑solving for data path issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for scalable design in a high‑accountability environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high‑performance network system architecture and security features for mission‑critical applications.
• Partner with Engineers, Product Managers, Solution Architects and customers to understand use cases and review PRDs.
• Author design and functional specs, drive unit testing and automation for quality.
• Collaborate across cross‑functional teams to resolve system‑level issues and drive feature innovation.
• Coach juniors and ensure compliance with federal security certifications through strong design principles.

Skills

Go

Python

Linux networking

Networking protocols

Communication

Education

Bachelor or Master in Computer Science

Job description

Role

We are looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore,India reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. You will join the team that built the world’s largest cloud security platform from the ground up, enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud‑first strategy. With more than 100 patents and 15 million users across 185 countries, you will bring your vision to a team of experts dedicated to enhancing our multitenant architecture and global footprint.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Designing, developing, and optimizing high‑performance network system architecture and security features to support mission‑critical applications
• Partnering with Engineering Architects, Product Managers, Solution Architects, and customers to understand complex use cases and review PRDs
• Authoring design and functional specifications while driving unit testing and automation to ensure high product quality
• Collaborating across cross‑functional teams to resolve system‑level issues, optimize data path performance, and drive feature innovation
• Applying advanced software design principles and troubleshooting expertise to coach junior team members and maintain compliance with federal security certifications

You Are (Success Profile)

You thrive in ambiguity, easily building the path as you walk it and transforming dynamic challenges into meaningful, scalable solutions. You act like an owner with a strong bias for action, operating with integrity while moving seamlessly between high‑level strategy and hands‑on execution. You are a problem‑solver who is energized by finding solutions to complex technical challenges that drive maximum impact. You are a high‑trust collaborator who is ambitious for the team, fostering continuous growth through open, candid, and respectful feedback. You are a learner with a growth mindset, actively seeking feedback and exploring new technologies to continuously elevate yourself and your partners.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem‑solving
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 10+ years of experience in system engineering for high‑performance networking
• Expertise in Linux kernel‑based networking (L2/L3), stateful firewalls, NAT, network drivers, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, PIM), and protocols like VLANs, DHCP, DNS, SSL, DTLS, QUIC, IPsec, GRE, and WireGuard
• Proficiency in Go and Python programming languages with strong problem‑solving skills for debugging complex data path issues
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to design scalable systems effectively in a high‑accountability environment

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience integrating AI/ML frameworks or intelligent data path analysis models to optimize kernel‑level networking performance and automate predictive threat detection
• Experience with WireGuard, tunneling protocols (GRE, L2VPN), HA protocols (VRRP), alongside certifications like FIPS or FedRAMP and prior experience with TLS, DTLS, and QUIC
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS or Azure), containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), and advanced virtualization or security solutions

Benefits program

• Various health plans
• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• Education reimbursement
• In‑office perks, and more!

Learn more about Zscaler's hybrid working model and benefits here.

By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines.

Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link.

Pay Transparency Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules.

Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy‑related support.

Experience Level Senior Level