AI Ethics & Human Impact Lead

Zscaler; Bellevue, Santa Clara (WA, CA); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Zscaler seeks an AI Ethics & Human Impact Lead to architect and drive our ethical AI program across People systems. You will act as an independent ethics authority to pause or elevate AI initiatives that pose risk to employees or candidates, and design HIAs for AI tools, shaping our ethical stance on workplace AI.

This hybrid role can be based at Santa Clara or Bellevue or remote, with a preference for Chicago, and requires navigating evolving global regulations to ensure human-centered

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of AI/ML technologies and ethics in practice.
• Ability to translate abstract ethical concepts for technical, legal, and business audiences.
• Experience influencing executive-level decisions on AI initiatives.
• Experience building or leading an ethics or responsible-technology function.
• Familiarity with HR tech, people analytics, or workforce AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive AI Ethics Framework for People systems and workforce-adjacent AI.
• Act as an independent ethics authority to pause, challenge, or elevate AI initiatives with risk to employees or candidates.
• Design and lead Human Impact Assessments (HIAs) for AI tools.
• Articulate the ethical purpose of AI in the workplace and balance efficiency with human-centered innovation.
• Monitor global regulatory changes to ensure proactive compliance and strategic positioning.

Skills

AI/ML knowledge

Executive influence

Ethical communication

AI for outcomes

Ethics leadership

HR tech familiarity

Labor economics

Education

Advanced degree in ethics or related field

Job description

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 200+ public data centers globally and thousands of private sites at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world’s hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.

We are looking for an AI Ethics & Human Impact Lead to join our team. Reporting to the Head of People Risk & Integrity in the People & Culture organization, this position can be hybrid at our Santa Clara, CA headquarters or Bellevue, WA office or Remote with a preference for Chicago, IL based candidates. Sitting within the People Risk & Integrity (PRI) team, this leader will architect and drive our Ethical and Human Impact program, providing the independent judgment and ethical framework necessary to ensure our technological innovation remains fundamentally human-centered.This is not a policy compliance role; it operates at the intersection of philosophy, technology and the future of work.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive AI Ethics Framework for People systems and workforce-adjacent AI, defining our values and decision criteria
• Serve as an independent ethics authority with the mandate to pause, challenge, or elevate AI initiatives that pose unacceptable risks to employees or candidates
• Design and lead Human Impact Assessments (HIAs) for AI tools
• Articulate and maintain our ethical position on the purpose of AI in the workplace, balancing efficiency with human-centered innovation
• Monitor the evolving global regulatory landscape to ensure proactive compliance and strategic positioning

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity. You are comfortable building the path as you walk it, seeing dynamic and changing environments as an opportunity to construct something meaningful.
• You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action, and you operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome.
• True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range. You possess the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands‑on execution.
• You are a problem‑solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser‑focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
• You are a high‑trust partner. You thrive on collaborative feedback, matching ambition for the team with direct, respectful communication to build trust.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Advanced understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI‑driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
• An advanced degree or equivalent applied experience in a field requiring sustained ethical reasoning
• Deep practical literacy in how AI and machine learning systems work, sufficient to interrogate algorithmic design and identify risks
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in AI ethics, responsible AI, technology policy, or organizational ethics
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and influence at the executive level with credibility and composure
• Exceptional ability to translate abstract ethical concepts into clear, actionable language for technical, legal, and business audiences

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency
• Direct experience building or leading an AI ethics or responsible technology function
• Specific experience with HR technology, people analytics, or workforce‑related AI tools
• Background in labor economics, future of work research, or employment rights

#LI-RL2 #LI-Hybrid

Zscaler’s salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations and could be higher or lower based on a multitude of factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

The base salary range listed for this full‑time position excludes commission/ bonus/ equity (if applicable) + benefits.

Base Pay Range

$150,500 - $215,000 USD

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.

Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including:

• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• 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.