Principal SDE, AI-Powered Cloud Security

Zscaler; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 186,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Vacation & sick time

Parental leave

Retirement options

Education reimbursement

In-office perks

Job summary

Zscaler in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to help scale and secure the world’s largest cloud security platform. You will join a team responsible for multitenant architecture, high‑performant networking features, and a cloud‑first strategy aimed at supporting customers globally.

The role reports to the Director of Software Engineering; you’ll design, code, review, and mentor peers, while ensuring compliance with FIPS, FedRAMP, and SOC2.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 10+ years of system engineering experience in high‑performance networking.
• Expertise in Linux kernel-based networking (L2/L3), NAT, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, PIM) and related protocols.
• Proficiency in Go and Python with strong debugging skills for data path issues.
• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and Experience leveraging AI solutions in domain.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for cross‑functional teamwork and scalable design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high‑performance networking systems and security features; create design docs and perform unit testing.
• Improve Zscaler’s Zero Trust Security Services with robust software design and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with engineers, PMs, customers, and architects to understand use cases and resolve system issues.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with federal certifications like FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, and SOC2.

Skills

Linux kernel networking

Go

Python

AI/ML fundamentals

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS

Tools

WireGuard

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Job description

Zscaler in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to help scale and secure the world’s largest cloud security platform. You will join a team responsible for multitenant architecture, high‑performant networking features, and a cloud‑first strategy aimed at supporting customers globally.

The role reports to the Director of Software Engineering; you’ll design, code, review, and mentor peers, while ensuring compliance with FIPS, FedRAMP, and SOC2.