Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer

Zscaler; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Zscaler is seeking a Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer for the Zero Trust Branch datapath team in Santa Clara, CA.

This hybrid role (3 days in office) reports to the Architect, Engineering and focuses on building and enhancing the Zero Trust Branch platform, dataplane services and APIs used by millions globally. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design architectures, optimize cloud-delivered security and SD-WAN technologies, and develop high-performance network

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
• 10+ years of experience designing and developing software within a distributed, enterprise-scale environment
• Strong proficiency in Go programming specifically applied to network data handling and processing
• Deep expertise in Linux environments, including system-level programming, networking concepts, scripting, and troubleshooting
• Strong exposure to SD-WAN technologies, VPNs, Cloud Security architectures, and cloud platforms such as AWS
• In-depth understanding of L2–L7 networking, TCP/IP stack internals, traffic management protocols (HTTP/HTTPS, SSL/TLS), and performance testing methodologies

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, design architectures, and deliver resilient cloud-based software solutions and network integrations
• Leverage deep expertise in L2–L7 networking to develop and advance cloud-delivered security and SD-WAN technologies
• Develop, maintain, and optimize high-performance network applications and protocols utilizing Go and Python
• Design efficient data structures for network data processing and handle system-level programming within Linux environments
• Analyze network performance to isolate bottlenecks, drive system optimizations, and lead rigorous code reviews, testing, and debugging

Skills

Go programming

Linux system-level programming

SD-WAN technologies

TCP/IP stack internals

AWS cloud platforms

AI/ML foundations

Python programming

CS networking concepts

Go & Python for network data handling

GitHub Copilot / AI tools

Tools

GitHub Copilot

Cursor

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 Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer to join our Zero Trust Branch datapath team. This is a hybrid role based in Santa Clara, CA (3 days in office), reporting to the Architect, Engineering. As a core technical expert, you will contribute to building and enhancing our Zero Trust Branch platform, designing and developing robust dataplane services and APIs that support millions of users globally.

What you'll do (Role Expectations)

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, design architectures, and deliver resilient cloud-based software solutions and network integrations
• Leverage deep expertise in L2–L7 networking to develop and advance cloud-delivered security and SD-WAN technologies
• Develop, maintain, and optimize high-performance network applications and protocols utilizing Go and Python
• Design efficient data structures for network data processing and handle system-level programming within Linux environments
• Analyze network performance to isolate bottlenecks, drive system optimizations, and lead rigorous code reviews, testing, and debugging

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it, viewing dynamic environments not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful.
• You operate with urgency. You understand that in a high-growth environment, speed and quality are not mutually exclusive, maintaining a relentless focus on execution and delivering high-impact results quickly.
• You are a problem-solver. You actively seek out challenges and are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hardest problems delivers the biggest impact.
• You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, embracing a challenge culture where candid feedback delivered with clarity and respect earns trust and drives excellence.
• You lead with integrity. You consistently do the right thing, hold yourself and others to high accountability, and build trust by matching your words with transparent action.

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
• 10+ years of experience designing and developing software within a distributed, enterprise-scale environment
• Strong proficiency in Go programming specifically applied to network data handling and processing
• Deep expertise in Linux environments, including system-level programming, networking concepts, scripting, and troubleshooting
• Strong exposure to SD-WAN technologies, VPNs, Cloud Security architectures, and cloud platforms such as AWS
• In-depth understanding of L2–L7 networking, TCP/IP stack internals, traffic management protocols (HTTP/HTTPS, SSL/TLS), and performance testing methodologies

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proficiency with modern AI code-assistance tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor) to accelerate architecture design, software refactoring, and system development
• Advanced hands-on experience with L3 tunneling protocols, SD-WAN implementations, and cloud-based networking architecture, design, and deployment
• Proven track record of monitoring industry trends and proactively proposing architectural enhancements to elevate system reliability, scalability, and network efficiency

#LI-YC2 #LI-Hybrid

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

$180,000 - $225,000 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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Zscaler’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

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An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.