Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)

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

Job summary

Zscaler in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane) to design and implement high-performance datapath features for load balancing and L7 protocols. This role is hybrid (San Jose, CA) with three days in the office and reports to the Senior Director of Software Development Engineering.

You will leverage deep C programming expertise to own complex architectural projects from concept to deployment, drive scalable networking infrastructure, and collaborate

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience building large-scale networking and security applications.
• Strong C/C++ programming and knowledge of data structures/algorithms.
• Experience with Linux/Unix operating systems.
• BS or MS in CS/CE or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement datapath features for load balancer and L7 protocols.
• Apply deep C programming to build high-performance systems.
• Own projects from conception to deployment with full ownership.
• Leverage networking protocol knowledge including DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, SSL/TLS.
• Collaborate with global teams to enhance scalability and security.

Skills

C/C++ expertise

Networking

Linux/Unix

High-performance systems

AI tools awareness

Education

BS or MS in CS/CE

Job description

Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)

San Jose, California, USA

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 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges 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 Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane) to join our Engineering Team. This is a Hybrid (San Jose, CA 3 days a week in office) role, reporting to the Senior Director, Software Development Engineering. The Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane) will design and implement high-performance data path features for load balancing and L7 protocols, directly enhancing the scalability and security of global networking infrastructure. By leveraging deep C programming expertise and autonomous ownership, they will drive complex architectural projects from initial concept to large-scale deployment.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Design and implement Datapath features related to Load Balancer, Firewall rules and L7 Protocol implementations
• Apply deep knowledge of C programming, data structures, and algorithms to build high-performance systems
• Independently drive moderately complex projects from conception to deployment with full ownership
• Utilize expert knowledge of networking protocols and services including DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLS
• Leverage Unix or Linux operating systems knowledge to optimize networking and security applications

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action. You operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. You adapt to what’s needed, navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands‑on execution.
• You are a high‑trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, not just yourself. You embrace our challenge culture by giving and receiving ongoing feedback—knowing that candor delivered with clarity and respect is the truest form of teamwork and the fastest way to earn trust.
• You are customer‑obsessed. You build deep empathy for the customer—both internal and external—and anchor your decisions in solving their real‑world problems. You champion their needs from start to finish, knowing their success is our success.
• You operate with urgency. You understand that in a high‑growth environment, speed and quality are not mutually exclusive. You have a relentless focus on execution and a bias for action, delivering high‑impact results quickly to win for the customer and the team.
• You think at scale. You connect your day‑to‑day work to the larger company mission and think globally. You build solutions, processes, and teams that are not just effective today but are built to last and support a high‑growth, global organization.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem‑solving
• 12+ years of experience building large‑scale commercial networking and security applications with proficiency in programming languages C or C++
• Strong foundational knowledge in data structures and algorithms
• Working experience in Linux, Unix, or similar operating systems
• BS or MS degree in CS/CE or equivalent experience

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Exposure to AI‑assisted software development tools and workflows, with the ability to apply them to improve engineering productivity and delivery quality
• Advanced knowledge of networking protocols and services, specifically DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLS

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

$185,500 - $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.