About Zscaler
Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI-forward enterprise, we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world’s largest security data lake to power our cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location.
Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate—we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high-performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession, collaboration, ownership, and accountability.
We value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where you’re enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges, and want to be part of the team that’s helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity.
Role
We are looking for a Senior Staff Development Engineer to join our Engineering team in a hybrid capacity based in San Jose, CA (three days a week), reporting to the Senior Director, Software Engineering. You will help build the world’s largest Zero Trust Cloud Security platform, leveraging a multitenant architecture and 100+ patents to support over 15 million users. Your vision and technical expertise will enable organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility through a cloud-first strategy.
What you’ll do (Role Expectations)
- Design, develop, and optimize system infrastructure including networking and security features to support high-performance applications
- Design and develop Zero Trust Branch Private Access and Internet access solutions
- Create design and functional specification documents while performing unit testing and automation to ensure quality
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve system-related issues, optimize performance, and innovate features to expand capabilities in our Zero Trust Branch Product.
- Applying strong software design principles and deep troubleshooting expertise to deliver scalable, resilient, and impactful improvements to Zscaler’s Zero Trust Security Services
Who You Are (Success Profile)
- You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it. You thrive in a dynamic environment, seeing ambiguity not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful.
- 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. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
- You are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
- 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 a learner. You have a true growth mindset and are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose.
What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in system engineering focused on designing and optimizing system infrastructure for high-performance networking and security applications
- Expertise in Linux kernel-based networking (L2/L3), Stateful Firewall (IP tables / netfilter, network drivers, and protocols like VLANs, DHCP, DNS, SSL, DTLS, and Quic, IPsec
- Proficiency in Go and Python programming languages with excellent problem-solving skills for debugging complex data path issues
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with a solid understanding of scalable systems design
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience in technologies such as wireguard,various tunneling protocols such as GRE, L2VPN,HA protocols such as VRRP alongside certifications like FIPS or FedRAMP
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms like AWS or Azure and containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Advanced expertise in virtualization and security solutions
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-CM3
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 Future of Work strategy, 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.
Zscaler Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage spans multiple medical options with dental, vision, and extensive mental‑health support, alongside specialized programs for cancer care, gender‑inclusive care, and menopause/andropause. Feedback suggests these offerings provide comprehensive support for employees and families.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave covers birthing and non‑birthing parents, with additional disability time for birthing parents, plus fertility coverage, milk shipping, and a paid ramp‑back option. Feedback suggests the package meaningfully supports family‑forming and return‑to‑work needs.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A hybrid work model pairs with flexible time off for salaried employees, plus paid sick, bereavement, military leave, and company holidays. Feedback suggests employees benefit from broad time‑off options alongside scheduling flexibility.
Zscaler Insights
What We Do
Zscaler accelerates digital transformation so our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. Our cloud native Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location.
Why Work With Us
Our impact comes from how we work—every day, in every decision, as one team. Our values and leadership principles are more than words; they're our operating system. They fuel a culture of execution where trust, transparency, and accountability help us deliver meaningful results for our customers, colleagues, and our company. www.zscaler.com/culture
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Zscaler Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
