Principal Software Development Engineer

Zscaler•Santa Clara, CA

3d•$188,500 - $265,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zscaler is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to join its Engineering department in a hybrid role reporting to the Director, Software Engineering. The role contributes to the Zero Trust Exchange, a multitenant cloud security platform, by improving its system capabilities, networking, security features, and global footprint. The engineer will design, develop, and optimize systems for high-performance applications; create specifications and drive automation; and apply software design and troubleshooting expertise to deliver scalable, resilient improvements to Zero Trust Security Services. The role also works with architects, product managers, and customers to understand use cases and requirements, optimize performance, mentor junior team members, and maintain federal certifications and compliance standards. Zscaler describes its culture as mission-driven and customer-focused, with an emphasis on ownership, collaboration, trust, impact, constructive feedback, and continuous growth. The position requires foundational understanding of AI/ML and experience with high-performance networking systems, Linux kernel networking, and Go and Python. The listed US base salary range is $188,500–$265,000, excluding applicable commission, bonus, or equity.

Requirements

Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes in the relevant functional domain.
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, with strong problem-solving skills for debugging complex data path issues.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working effectively with cross-functional teams in a high-accountability environment and designing scalable systems.

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.
Work with architects, product managers, and customers to understand use cases, review product requirements, and optimize system performance.
Coach and mentor junior team members and support high-quality deliverables.
Ensure federal certifications and compliance standards, including FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, and SOC2, are met and maintained.