Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer

Zscaler • Santa Clara, CA

1d • $180,000 - $225,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer to join our Zero Trust Branch datapath team. This is a hybrid role based in Santa Clara, CA (3 days in office), reporting to the Architect, Engineering. As a core technical expert, you will contribute to building and enhancing our Zero Trust Branch platform, designing and developing robust dataplane services and APIs that support millions of users globally.

Requirements

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
• 10+ years of experience designing and developing software within a distributed, enterprise-scale environment
• Strong proficiency in Go programming specifically applied to network data handling and processing
• Deep expertise in Linux environments, including system-level programming, networking concepts, scripting, and troubleshooting
• Strong exposure to SD-WAN technologies, VPNs, Cloud Security architectures, and cloud platforms such as AWS
• In-depth understanding of L2–L7 networking, TCP/IP stack internals, traffic management protocols (HTTP/HTTPS, SSL/TLS), and performance testing methodologies

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with modern AI code-assistance tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor) to accelerate architecture design, software refactoring, and system development
• Advanced hands-on experience with L3 tunneling protocols, SD-WAN implementations, and cloud-based networking architecture, design, and deployment
• Proven track record of monitoring industry trends and proactively proposing architectural enhancements to elevate system reliability, scalability, and network efficiency

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, design architectures, and deliver resilient cloud-based software solutions and network integrations
• Leverage deep expertise in L2–L7 networking to develop and advance cloud-delivered security and SD-WAN technologies
• Develop, maintain, and optimize high-performance network applications and protocols utilizing Go and Python
• Design efficient data structures for network data processing and handle system-level programming within Linux environments
• Analyze network performance to isolate bottlenecks, drive system optimizations, and lead rigorous code reviews, testing, and debugging

Benefits

• Various health plans
• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• Education reimbursement
• In-office perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed