Principal Software Development Engineer

Zscaler•Santa Clara, CA

8d•$188,500 - $265,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zscaler is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to join its Engineering team, which works on the Zero Trust Exchange cloud security platform. This hybrid role reports to the Director, Software Engineering. The successful candidate will help enhance the platform’s multitenant architecture and global footprint, designing and optimizing systems and networking and security features for high-performance applications. The role includes creating specifications, driving automation, troubleshooting complex systems, collaborating with architects, product managers, and customers, mentoring junior engineers, and maintaining compliance with federal certifications and 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, including 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 leverage 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, for high-performance applications.
Create specification documents and drive automation.
Apply software design principles and troubleshooting expertise to improve Zero Trust Security Services in scalable and resilient ways.
Collaborate with architects, product managers, and customers to understand use cases, review product requirements, and optimize system performance.
Coach and mentor junior team members and ensure high-quality deliverables.
Ensure federal certifications and compliance standards, including FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, and SOC2, are met and maintained.