Network Engineer - Zscaler

Virtual Tech Gurus; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtual Tech Gurus in Houston is seeking a Network Engineer to implement and operate Zscaler-based security and networking solutions for enterprise customers. You will translate strategic roadmaps into hands-on deployments, ensure high-availability network services, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, scalable infrastructure.

The role emphasizes Zero-Trust architecture, customer-facing delivery, and continuous improvement of deployment playbooks and documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on enterprise networking experience.
• Proven ZIA and ZPA configuration & management experience.
• Strong TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP/OSPF), VLANs, QoS and segmentation knowledge.
• Experience with VPN deployment and Zero-Trust integration.
• Identity-provider integration (Okta, Azure AD) knowledge.
• Cloud security platforms and SaaS integration.
• Automation scripting with Python/Terraform/Ansible.
• Microsoft 365 administration familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Execute deployment plans aligned with roadmap for Zscaler platform.
• Configure and deploy network and security services (ZIA/ZPA, VPN) to meet enterprise needs.
• Provide tier-2+ support for complex deployment issues.
• Conduct system-health checks, capacity planning, and performance optimization.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and runbooks.

Skills

Zscaler expertise

Firewall management

Network fundamentals

VPN & Zero Trust

Authentication systems

Cloud platforms

Virtualization

Automation scripting

Microsoft 365 administration

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Python

Job description

Job Overview

• The Network Engineer will directly support the Zscaler Platform Manager in executing product strategy, technical implementations, and customer-success initiatives across customer's global network and security platforms. The role translates strategic vision into operational excellence through hands-on network engineering, Zero-Trust security deployment, and customer-facing delivery.

Job Description Strategic Implementation Support

• Execute deployment plans aligned with the Zscaler Platform Manager’s product roadmap and strategic direction.
• Implement Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange platform and broader network-security solutions using approved architecture and best practices.
• Configure and deploy network and security services (routing, segmentation, firewalls, ZIA/ZPA, VPN) to meet enterprise requirements.
• Support proof-of-concept (POC) deployments and pilot projects to validate technical feasibility.
• Provide technical insights and field feedback that inform product-enhancement decisions.

Technical Excellence & Quality Assurance

• Provide tier-2 and above support for complex network and Zscaler-related deployment issues, escalating advanced challenges when necessary.
• Conduct system-health checks, capacity planning, and performance optimization across network and security platforms.
• Troubleshoot multi-system problems (LAN/WAN, cloud connectivity, Zscaler services) using industry best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Maintain technical documentation and configuration guides in line with standardization efforts.

Customer Success & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deliver white-glove implementation services that align with customer-success objectives.
• Provide technical advisory support via multiple channels while maintaining service-quality standards.
• Conduct training sessions for IT staff and end users; develop playbooks and runbooks as needed.
• Gather customer feedback and requirements to inform market analysis and product-development priorities.

Operational Support & Process Improvement

• Execute deployment processes following standard operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Participate in cross-functional collaboration initiatives and knowledge-sharing programs.
• Contribute to the development of technical best practices and reference architectures.

Requirements Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in enterprise networking (routing, switching, firewall administration, proxies, loadbalancers, and network-security operations).

Core Technical Skills

• Zscaler Expertise - Proven experience with Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) configuration & management
• Firewall Management - Advanced experience with firewall rules, policies, and enterprise-security implementations
• Network Fundamentals - Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP/OSPF), VLANs, QoS, and network segmentation
• VPN & Zero Trust - Comprehensive experience in VPN deployment, troubleshooting, and integration with Zero-Trust architectures
• Authenication Systems - Proficiency with SAML, OAuth, and modern authentication protocols; identity-provider integration (Okta, Azure AD)
• Cloud Platforms - Extensive knowledge of Azure and other cloud-security platforms; SaaS integration
• Virtualization - Experience with virtual-machine management and cloud-infrastructure deployment

Advanced Technical Capabilities

• Deep understanding of internet protocols and information-security frameworks.
• SIEM integration for log ingestion and correlation.
• Automation proficiency (Python, Terraform, Ansible, and other scripting languages) for deployment and configuration management.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (Exchange, OneDrive, Intune, SharePoint) administration.

Preferred Certifications & Skills

• Zscaler Certified (ZDTA, ZDTE, or equivalent)
• Cisco CCNA/CCNP (or comparable networking certification)
• Experience with Palo Alto, Cloudflare, Versa, SD-WAN, or other next-generation security vendors
• Bilingual capabilities to support a diverse customer base
• Advanced experience in Azure, AWS, OCI, and other cloud environments and cloud-security implementations

Professional Competencies

• Advanced troubleshooting for complex, multi-system problems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong organizational ability to manage multiple concurrent deployments.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, able to translate technical concepts to varied audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining high quality standards.