Principal Software Development Engineer

Zscaler•San Jose, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in San Jose, CA, reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. You will join the team that built the world’s largest cloud security platform from the ground up, enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud-first strategy. With more than 100 patents and 15 million users across 185 countries, you will bring your vision to a team of experts dedicated to enhancing our multitenant architecture and global footprint.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's (preferred) degree in Computer Science or a related field with 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(BGP, OSPF, PIM), and protocols like VLANs, DHCP, DNS, SSL, DTLS, QUIC, IPsec, GRE and Wireguard
Proficiency in Go and Python programming languages with excellent problem-solving skills for debugging complex data path issues
Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a high-accountability environment while designing scalable systems

Nice To Haves

Experience integrating AI/ML frameworks or intelligent data path analysis models to optimize kernel-level networking performance and automate predictive threat detection
Experience in technologies such as wireguard, various tunneling protocols such as GRE, L2VPN, HA protocols such as VRRP alongside certifications like FIPS or FedRAMP and prior experience with TLS, DTLS, QUIC
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms like AWS or Azure, containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, and advanced virtualization or security solutions

Responsibilities

Designing, developing, and optimizing the system, including networking and security features, to support high-performance applications.
Creating design and functional specification documents while performing unit testing and automation to ensure quality
Applying strong software design principles and deep troubleshooting expertise to deliver scalable, resilient, and impactful improvements to Zscaler’s Zero Trust Security Services
Work directly with Engineering Architects, Product Managers, Customers, Solution Architects to understand customer use cases.
Review PRDs.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve system-related issues, optimize system performance, and innovate features
Coach and mentor junior team members and ensure highest level of quality deliverables
Ensuring federal certifications such as FIPS, FedRAMP, Common Criteria, and SOC2 compliance