Principal Solutions Architect

Zscaler, Inc.; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 161,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of cloud security! As a Solution Architect, you will play a vital role in shaping innovative solutions that empower enterprises to achieve secure digital transformation. Collaborate with top-tier technology partners and leverage your technical expertise to design and implement cutting-edge integrations. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, where your contributions will directly influence the future of cloud security. If you are passionate about technology and eager to make a significant impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Benefits

Various health plans

Time off plans for vacation and sick time

Parental leave options

Retirement options

Education reimbursement

In-office perks

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Solutions Architecture or related roles.
• Strong ability to lead technical discussions with clarity and confidence.
• Excellent communication skills across organizations.

Responsibilities

• Advise partners on integration strategies and architectures.
• Build deep relationships with technical individuals at partner companies.
• Author technical content such as white papers and deployment guides.

Skills

Solutions Architecture

Systems Engineering

Technical Marketing

Communication Skills

Technical Discussions

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

REST APIs

SAML

OAuth

Python

Go

Job description

About Zscaler

Serving thousands of enterprise customers around the world including 40% of Fortune 500 companies, Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) was founded in 2007 with a mission to make the cloud a safe place to do business and a more enjoyable experience for enterprise users. As the operator of the world's largest security cloud, Zscaler accelerates digital transformation so enterprises can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The pioneering, AI-powered Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, which is found in our SASE and SSE offerings, protects thousands of enterprise customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location.

Named a Best Workplace in Technology by Fortune and others, Zscaler fosters an inclusive and supportive culture that is home to some of the brightest minds in the industry. If you thrive in an environment that is fast-paced and collaborative, and you are passionate about building and innovating for the greater good, come make your next move with Zscaler.

The Zscaler Sales and Go-to-Market team is a global group of professionals who are passionate about delighting our customers, nurturing trusted partnerships, and sharing their expertise to drive a secure, cloud-enabled digital future and further cement our position as the world leader in cloud security. Sales, Customer Success, Sales Enablement, Solution Architects, Business Development, Transformation, and Technology Partnerships all work together to demonstrate the power and agility of Zscaler cloud transformation to the world.

The Solution Architecture team within Zscaler's Business Development organization is a high-impact, cross-functional group that operates at the intersection of engineering, product management, and strategic partnerships. This team plays a critical role in driving "better-together" product integrations by co-building joint solutions with top-tier technology, cloud hyperscaler, and alliance partners.

Deeply technical and customer-facing, Solution Architects work closely with Zscaler Engineering and Product teams-as well as directly with partner engineering and product groups-to design, validate, and bring to market integrated solutions that solve complex security and connectivity challenges. By blending Zscaler's innovations with complementary partner offerings, they help customers modernize their IT architecture and achieve secure digital transformation.

• Zscaler Technology Partners (https://www.zscaler.com/partners/technology)


• Deployment Guides authored by the Solution Architects team (https://help.zscaler.com/zscaler-technology-partners)

Externally, Solution Architects work closely with Zscaler's partner ecosystem in a pre-sales and post-sale capacity. Solution Architects articulate Zscaler's vision, value and technology to our tech partners and lead technical consulting, coordination, and designing technical integrations by working hand-in-hand with their technical counterparts at Zscaler's partners and customers. The ideal candidate should have prior field experience working as a Systems Engineer (broad coverage), Solutions Architect (in a sales or product group), Technical Marketing Engineer, or Support Engineer.

Internally, a Solution Architect is a senior technical individual contributor with broad technology expertise, hands-on skills, grit, and the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity with resilience. They work across Engineering, Product Management, Technology Partner Sales, Cloud Operations, and Business Development to drive alignment and accelerate execution. Their ability to bridge technical and business domains makes them a trusted partner and positions the team at the center of Zscaler's partner ecosystem.

Candidates who successfully join the team will deepen their existing technical skills, gain new expertise, and directly influence emerging architectures through hands-on contributions and strategic input. This role is preferred to sit out of our headquarters in San Jose, CA (hybrid 3 days a week in office). Reporting to the VP, Solutions Architecture - BD, you will:

• Advise existing partners on the integration strategies, architectures, platforms, and application infrastructure required to successfully implement a complete solution


• Provide "best practices" advice to our partner ecosystem


• Acquire new partners by leading or contributing to Zscaler technology and architectural discussions demonstrating better customer outcomes


• Build deep relationships with senior technical individuals at Zscaler partners to create Zscaler advocates


• Assist partners in acquiring the skills to effectively use Zscaler products and technologies


• Author and co-author of technical content (e.g., white papers, deployment guides, blogs, patents, etc.)

What We're Looking For (Minimum Qualifications)

• 10+ years of prior work experience in similar positions (e.g., Solutions Architect, Systems Engineer, Technical Marketing Engineer, or a Support Engineer)


• Able to learn and support cutting-edge technologies while context-switching


• Strong ability to lead and navigate technical and architectural discussions with clarity and confidence


• Able to confidently discuss technical topics with business stakeholders and business priorities with technical teams


• Skilled at simplifying complex concepts to make them accessible to diverse audiences


• Excellent communication and follow-up skills across internal and external organizations


• Availability to travel to partner sites, conferences, and other related events as required, globally

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Prior experience with technology partners: https://www.zscaler.com/partners/technology


• Advanced knowledge of Authentication and Authorization protocols and frameworks such as SAML, SCIM, OIDC and OAuth


• Extensive experience of working with REST APIs and SDKs


• Advanced knowledge of evolving identity frameworks such as emerging SSF and evolving standards


• Professional experience architecting and operating solutions built on cloud infrastructures (in order of preference: Azure, AWS, and GCP)


• Hands-on experience with API integrations/prototype/scripting languages (in order of preference: Python, Go)

#LI-hybrid

#LI-AM12

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

$161,000—$230,000 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:

• Various health plans


• Time off plans for vacation and sick time


• Parental leave options


• Retirement options


• Education reimbursement


• In-office perks, and more!

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.