Principal Software Development Engineer

Zscaler, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off plans

Parental leave options

Retirement options

In-office perks

Job summary

Zscaler, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer for a hybrid role reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department.

You will help build the world’s largest cloud security platform, enabling secure, scalable, and high-performance networking globally. You will design, develop, and optimize the system with a focus on security features, drive automation, and collaborate with architects, product managers, and customers to deliver impactful improvements.

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and AI-driven solutions.
• 10+ years of system engineering for high-performance networking.
• Expertise in Linux kernel-based networking, NAT, routing, and tunneling technologies.
• Proficiency in Go and Python with strong debugging skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize the system, including networking and security features, to support high-performance applications and create specification documents.
• Apply solid software design principles and troubleshooting to deliver scalable, resilient improvements to Zero Trust Security Services.
• Collaborate directly with architects, product managers, and customers to understand use cases and optimize system performance.
• Coach and mentor junior team members to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Ensure federal certifications and compliance standards (FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, SOC2) are met and maintained.

Skills

Go programming

Python programming

AI/ML concepts

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

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.

Role

We are looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a Hybrid role, 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)

Design, develop, and optimize the system, including networking and security features, to support high-performance applications while creating specification documents and driving automation

Apply strong software design principles and deep troubleshooting expertise to deliver scalable, resilient, and impactful improvements to Zero Trust Security Services

Collaborate directly with architects, product managers, and customers to understand use cases, review product requirements, and optimize system performance

Coach and mentor junior team members to ensure the highest level of quality across all deliverables

Ensure federal certifications and compliance standards including FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, and SOC2 are met and maintained

Who You Are (Success Profile)

Thrive in ambiguity, comfortably building the path as you walk it and viewing dynamic environments as opportunities to construct meaningful solutions.

Operate with a strong sense of ownership, combining a passion for the mission with high integrity and the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.

Demonstrate a proactive problem-solving focus, eagerly running toward challenges and remaining laser-focused on delivering high-impact outcomes.

Build high-trust collaboration, prioritizing team success, welcoming constructive feedback, and practicing clear and respectful candor to establish strong partnerships.

Maintain a continuous growth mindset, actively seeking feedback and development to grow as a partner, teammate, and purpose-driven leader.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain

Bachelor's or Master's (preferred) 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, and tunneling technologies

Proficiency in Go and Python programming languages with excellent problem-solving skills for debugging complex data path issues

Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a high-accountability environment while designing scalable systems

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency

Experience integrating AI/ML frameworks or intelligent data path analysis models to optimize kernel-level networking performance and automate predictive threat detection

Advanced experience with networking technologies, tunneling protocols, high-availability protocols, and security certifications like FIPS or FedRAMP

Familiarity with public cloud platforms, containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, and advanced virtualization or security solutions

#LI-CM3

#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

$188,500 - $265,000 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.