Sr. Software Development Engineer (Backend Dev - C/C++)

Zscaler; Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar; Hybrid; INR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Vacation and sick time

Parental leave

Retirement options

Education reimbursement

In-office perks

Job summary

Zscaler is seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer for a Hybrid Mohali role in the Engineering department. You will be a core contributor, designing, building, and maintaining high‑performance software components in C, while collaborating with senior engineers to solve complex system challenges.

The role emphasizes strong programming fundamentals, data structures, and OS concepts, with opportunities to explore AI tools to augment daily workflows and accelerate secure cloud-scale delivery.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of C programming experience.
• Strong understanding of data structures (arrays, lists, stacks, trees).
• Familiarity with OS concepts: processes, threading, memory management.
• Experience with GDB or similar debugging tools.
• Curiosity about AI tools and applying them to workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software components in C.
• Design and optimize data structures for performance.
• Work on Linux/FreeBSD systems; handle scripting and configuration.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to debug and resolve issues.
• Use GDB and related tools to diagnose and fix problems promptly.

Skills

C programming

Data structures

OS concepts

GDB debugging

AI tool exploration

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science

Tools

Git

Job description

About Zscaler

Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an

Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI-forward enterprise, we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world’s largest security data lake to power our cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate—we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high-performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession, collaboration, ownership, and accountability. We value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where you’re enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges, and want to be part of the team that’s helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Role

We are looking for a Senior Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a Hybrid (Mohali) role, reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. In this position, you will serve as a core software development engineer, driving key engineering initiatives and taking ownership of designing, building, and maintaining high-performance system components.

What You’ll Do (Role Expectations)

• Develop and maintain software components using the C programming language
• Implement and optimize data structures for efficient problem-solving
• Work on Linux/FreeBSD-based systems, including basic configuration and scripting
• Collaborate with senior engineers to understand, debug, and resolve system and application-level issues
• Debug code using tools like GDB to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity and feel comfortable building the path forward, viewing dynamic environments as an opportunity to construct something meaningful.
• You act like an owner with a strong bias for action and integrity, seamlessly navigating between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are an energized problem-solver who actively seeks out complex challenges, knowing that tackling tough problems yields the highest impact.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who embraces ongoing, respectful candor and feedback to drive collective team success over individual achievement.
• You possess a dedicated growth mindset and continuously seek self-development and feedback to become a stronger partner and teammate.

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
• 3+ years experience in C programming and strong understanding of core principles
• Hands-on experience in data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, and trees) and their applications
• Familiarity with operating system concepts such as process management, threading, and memory management
• Experience with GDB or other debugging tools for troubleshooting software errors
• Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Knowledge of version control tools (Git)
• Familiarity with networking concepts and protocols
• BS/MS degree in computer science or related field

At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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

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.