Senior Manager, Software Development Engineering

Zscaler; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Various health plans

Time off plans for vacation and sick

Parental leave options

Retirement options

Education reimbursement

In-office perks, and more!

Job summary

Zscaler in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Senior Manager, Software Development Engineering to lead a high-performing team leveraging the AI Development Lifecycle to deliver cloud-based security services. You will guide architecture and design decisions while driving execution across engineering and product teams.

This role emphasizes rapid scaling of the Zscaler Client Connector Portal, cross-functional leadership, and strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
• 7+ years of experience building and leading software development teams developing Enterprise applications with the Java stack
• 5+ years of experience with cloud-based deployment and cloud operations
• 3+ years of experience working with hyperscalers such as AWS
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field, with strong knowledge of the Java stack, SSL, and MySQL
• Hands-on proficiency with Java, Python and shell scripting

Responsibilities

• Lead the software development team embracing the AI Development Lifecycle while working closely with peer product and operations teams
• Be a Thought Leader and deeply-involved in the Architecture and Design aspects of the product
• Oversee cloud operations, including upgrades, scalability improvements, and troubleshooting
• Transition the team to a full service ownership model
• Partner with product management to define and execute the product roadmap

Skills

AI/ML basics

Team leadership

Java

Python

Shell scripting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master in CS or related field

Tools

Kubernetes

MySQL

AWS

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 Senior Manager, Software Development Engineering to join our team. This is a Santa Clara, CA role, reporting to the Sr. Director, Software Engineering in the Zero Trust Exchange department. We are looking for a dynamic and inspired leader to support and drive the visionary innovation of Zscaler over the next decade. In this role, you will have the opportunity to rapidly scale the Zscaler Client Connector Portal service, working closely with our executive team and leading a high-performing engineering team to deliver cutting-edge services to the industry.

What You’ll Do (Role Expectations)

• Lead the software development team embracing the AI Development Lifecycle while working closely with peer product and operations teams
• Be a Thought Leader and deeply-involved in the Architecture and Design aspects of the product
• Oversee cloud operations, including upgrades, scalability improvements, and troubleshooting
• Transition the team to a full service ownership model
• Partner with product management to define and execute the product roadmap

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You act like an owner, bringing a deep passion for the mission, a strong bias for action, and the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who is ambitious for the team, embracing ongoing feedback, candor, and respect to build strong partnerships.
• You are customer-obsessed, demonstrating deep empathy for both internal and external users while anchoring all engineering decisions in solving real-world customer problems.
• You are a positive force who approaches complex technical challenges with contagious constructive energy and a collaborative, solution-oriented spirit.
• You operate with urgency, maintaining a relentless focus on execution to deliver high-quality, high-impact results rapidly in a fast-paced environment.

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
• 7+ years of experience building and leading software development teams developing Enterprise applications with the Java stack
• 5+ years of experience with cloud-based deployment and cloud operations
• 3+ years of experience working with hyperscalers such as AWS
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field, with strong knowledge of the Java stack, SSL, and MySQL
• Hands-on proficiency with Java, Python and shell scripting

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency
• Current experience utilizing the AI Development Lifecycle (AIDLC) in software delivery
• In-depth knowledge of Kubernetes and microservices architectures
• US Citizenship is a plus

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

$212,000—$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.

Benefits

• 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.