Principal Software Engineer, AI‑Native Cloud Security

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

Benefits offered by this job

Time off plans for vacation and sick

Parental leave options

Retirement options

In‑office perks, and more!

Job summary

Zscaler, the leader in cloud security, is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer for a hybrid role reporting to the Director of Software Engineering. Join a team building the world’s largest cloud security platform with 100+ patents and 15 million users across 185 countries.

You will design, develop, and optimize high-performance networking software, ensure security features, and drive automation while mentoring engineers and maintaining compliance with FIPS, FedRAMP, and SOC2.

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your domain.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field with 10+ years 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 strong debugging skills
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a high-accountability environment

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Go programming

Python programming

Linux kernel networking

Networking fundamentals

Problem solving

Education

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

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Zscaler, the leader in cloud security, is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer for a hybrid role reporting to the Director of Software Engineering. Join a team building the world’s largest cloud security platform with 100+ patents and 15 million users across 185 countries.

You will design, develop, and optimize high-performance networking software, ensure security features, and drive automation while mentoring engineers and maintaining compliance with FIPS, FedRAMP, and SOC2.