Principal Specialist Sales Engineer, Data Security - Enterprise, Central

Zscaler; Illinois; On-site; USD 155,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Time off plans for vacation and sick

Parental leave options

Retirement options

Education reimbursement

In-office perks

Job summary

Zscaler, a leader in cloud security, seeks a Principal Specialist Sales Engineer for Data Security to support the Enterprise segment in the United States. You will translate complex customer needs into robust security solutions, lead evaluations, and collaborate with sales to win strategic opportunities.

You will work with GTM teams to shape presales strategy, guide customers through product configurations and tests, and ensure successful outcomes in high-impact deployments.

Qualifications

• Curiosity and active exploration of AI tools to enhance daily workflows and problem solving.
• 5+ years of Pre-Sales experience, including 3+ years selling security/networking solutions.
• Experience with data protection and web-related technologies.
• Experience in a matrix role working with the broader GTM team to promote, sell, and support the Data Security business line.
• Experience in Commercial/high velocity segments.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver technical product presentations to prospective customers.
• Gather customer technical requirements to ensure proposed solutions align to goals and needs.
• Lead product evaluations and custom product configurations.
• Design evaluation test plans with customers and guide the process to successful outcomes.

Skills

AI tools exploration

Pre-Sales experience

Security networking

Data protection technologies

GTM collaboration

Commercial/high velocity

Education

BSCS or equivalent

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 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.

We are looking for a Principal Specialist Sales Engineer for Data Security serving our customers in the Enterprise segment. This reports directly to the Director, Specialist Sales Engineers, Data Security. In this role you’ll partner closely with sales teams to shape and win strategic opportunities. You will translate complex customer requirements into compelling solutions, lead hands-on evaluations, and guide prospects to successful outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Create and deliver technical product presentations to prospective customers.
• Gather customer technical requirements to ensure proposed solutions align to goals and needs.
• Lead product evaluations and custom product configurations.
• Design evaluation test plans with customers and guide the process to successful outcomes.

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You act like an owner— biased for action, accountable, and able to flex from strategy to hands-on execution.
• You are a high-trust collaborator— candid, respectful, and ambitious for the team, not just yourself.
• You are driven by innovation— curious, energized by complex technical challenges, and always seeking better, more secure, scalable ways.
• You are resilient and adaptable— steady under pressure and effective through change.
• You lead with integrity— doing the right thing, holding high standards, and building trust through transparency.

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
• BSCS or equivalent with extensive experience as an SE or systems integrator,5+ years of Pre-Sales experience, including 3+ years selling security/networking solutions in direct or high-touch environments.
• Experience withdata protectionandweb-related technologies.
• Experience in amatrix roleworking with the broader GTM team to promote, sell, and support the Data Security business line.
• Experience in Commercial/high velocity segment

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience withZscaler(or competitive solutions) in the Data Protection market.
• Understanding ofSaaS technologiesandregulatory compliancefor the geography.
• Success working in amatrix environment, teaming with a broader GTM and partner ecosystem.

Base Pay Range

$154,875 - $221,250 USD

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.

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!

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.