Staff Software Development Engineer

Zscaler•San Jose, CA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

About Zscaler Zscaler accelerates digital transformation so our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. Our cloud native Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate —we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high-performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession, collaboration, ownership and accountability. We value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where you’re enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges and want to make a positive difference on a global scale, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity. We are looking for a Staff Development Engineer, Nanolog to join our team. This is a Hybrid (San Jose, 3 days in office) role , reporting to the Sr. Director, Software Engineering in the Zero Trust Exchange department. You will play a critical role in the evolution of the Zscaler Nanolog Service, driving the design and optimization of our proprietary timeseries database. By identifying system bottlenecks and implementing kernel-level enhancements, you will ensure our platform continues to deliver high-performance, scalable security solutions for our global customer base. What You’ll Do (Role Expectations) Design, develop, and test enhancements to the Zscaler Nanolog Service powered by the proprietary timeseries database. Profile and analyze system performance, identify bottlenecks, and deliver code improvements in areas such as memory management, file I/O, and data structures. Stay updated on emerging database technologies and trends to evaluate new concepts for our database kernel. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and other engineering leads, to define and prioritize technical requirements. Troubleshoot and debug complex database issues reported by internal teams or customers. Who You Are (Success Profile) You thrive in a dynamic environment, seeing ambiguity not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful. You act like an owner, operating with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. You seek out challenges because you are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact. You are customer-obsessed, championing their needs from start to finish because their success is our success. You are driven by innovation, believing in the power of technology to accelerate transformation and always looking for a better, more secure, and scalable way. What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications) 5+ years of C programming experience on Unix/Linux platforms. Deep proficiency in algorithms and data structures. Solid understanding of distributed systems and experience building scalable systems. Deep expertise in Unix/Linux OS internals and command-line utilities to build, debug, and optimize high-performance services. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field. What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) Understanding of database kernels and internal architectures. Proficiency in schema design and management for database and big data environments. #LI-YC2 #LI-Hybrid Zscaler’s salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations and could be higher or lower based on a multitude of factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The base salary range listed for this full-time position excludes commission/ bonus/ equity (if applicable) + benefits. Base Pay Range $129,500 - $185,000 USD At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure. Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including: Various health plans Time off plans for vacation and sick time Parental leave options Retirement options Education reimbursement In-office perks, and more! Learn more about Zscaler’s Future of Work strategy, hybrid working model, and benefits here . By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines. Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link. Pay Transparency Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules. Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support.

Requirements

5+ years of C programming experience on Unix/Linux platforms.
Deep proficiency in algorithms and data structures.
Solid understanding of distributed systems and experience building scalable systems.
Deep expertise in Unix/Linux OS internals and command-line utilities to build, debug, and optimize high-performance services.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of database kernels and internal architectures.
Proficiency in schema design and management for database and big data environments.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and test enhancements to the Zscaler Nanolog Service powered by the proprietary timeseries database.
Profile and analyze system performance, identify bottlenecks, and deliver code improvements in areas such as memory management, file I/O, and data structures.
Stay updated on emerging database technologies and trends to evaluate new concepts for our database kernel.
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and other engineering leads, to define and prioritize technical requirements.
Troubleshoot and debug complex database issues reported by internal teams or customers.