Principal Software Development Engineer

Zscaler•Santa Clara, CA

3d•$185,500 - $265,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zscaler is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to join its Engineering department and help enhance its multitenant architecture and global cloud security platform. The role is hybrid and reports to the Director, Software Engineering. The team develops the Zero Trust Exchange, a cloud security platform that connects users, devices, and applications across public data centers and private edge sites. The engineer will design, develop, and optimize system networking and security features for high-performance applications, create specifications, and drive automation. The role applies strong software design and troubleshooting expertise to improve Zero Trust Security Services, collaborates with architects, product managers, and customers, mentors junior team members, and helps maintain federal certifications and compliance standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
10+ years of experience in system engineering for high-performance networking.
Expertise in Linux kernel-based networking (L2/L3), stateful firewalls, NAT, network drivers, routing protocols, and tunneling technologies.
Proficiency in Go and Python.
Strong problem-solving skills for debugging complex data path issues.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams and designing scalable systems in a high-accountability environment.
Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes in the functional domain.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to use AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency.
Experience integrating AI/ML frameworks or intelligent data path analysis models to optimize kernel-level networking performance and automate predictive threat detection.
Advanced experience with networking technologies, tunneling protocols, high-availability protocols, and security certifications such as FIPS or FedRAMP.
Familiarity with public cloud platforms, Docker, Kubernetes, and advanced virtualization or security solutions.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize systems, including networking and security features, to support high-performance applications.
Create specification documents and drive automation.
Apply software design principles and troubleshooting expertise to deliver scalable, resilient improvements to Zero Trust Security Services.
Collaborate with architects, product managers, and customers to understand use cases, review product requirements, and optimize system performance.
Coach and mentor junior team members to support high-quality deliverables.
Ensure federal certifications and compliance standards, including FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, and SOC2, are met and maintained.