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Principal Software Development Engineer
full-timeSan Jose$206k - $295k

Summary

Location

San Jose

Salary

$206k - $295k

Type

full-time

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About this role

About Zscaler


Zscaler is a pioneer and global leader in zero trust security. The world’s largest businesses, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies rely on Zscaler to secure users, branches, applications, data & devices, and to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Distributed across more than 160 data centers globally, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform combined with advanced AI combats billions of cyber threats and policy violations every day and unlocks productivity gains for modern enterprises by reducing costs and complexity.


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 champion an “AI Forward, People First” philosophy to help us accelerate and innovate, empowering our people to embrace their 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 to help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Role


We are looking for a Architect Software Development Engineer to join our ZIA Cloud team. This is a hybrid role, reporting to the Senior Director, ZIA Core Engineering. You will be responsible for ensuring ZIA software runs seamlessly in Public Cloud Infrastructure. You will leverage your deep expertise in network security and public cloud environments to drive hands-on development and provide technical leadership.


What you’ll do (Role Expectations)




  • Practice technical leadership in design, development, and optimization of firewall/SWG platforms in Cloud Infrastructure




  • Define and execute the technical roadmap for firewalls/SWG in Cloud Infrastructure, ensuring alignment with business goals




  • Work closely with engineering teams to enhance platform support for virtualized environments




  • Drive professional development and growth initiatives for team members




Who You Are (Success Profile)




  • You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it. 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. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action. You operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.




  • You are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.




  • You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, not just yourself. You embrace our challenge culture by giving and receiving ongoing feedback—knowing that candor delivered with clarity and respect is the truest form of teamwork and the fastest way to earn trust.




  • You are a learner. You have a true growth mindset and are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose.




What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)




  • Proven experience in designing and implementing networking security software and public clouds infrastructure




  • Deep understanding of VPCs, Subnets, Route Tables, Security Groups, NACLs, Transit Gateway, Elastic Load Balancing, Route 53, and Network Firewall WAF




  • Proven experience in designing how FW/SWG solutions integrate with or extend native cloud services




  • Demonstrated success in designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput, low-latency network security products




  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field




What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)




  • Proficiency with Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or GCP Deployment Manager for provisioning and managing cloud infrastructure




  • Mastery of TCP/IP, DNS, Http(s), VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL VPN), NAT, and load balancing




  • Knowledge of BSD/Linux operating systems, virtualization technologies, and DPDK or similar kernel bypass techniques




#LI-KM9 #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
$206,500$295,000 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.

Other facts

Tech stack
Network Security,Public Cloud,Technical Leadership,Firewall,SWG Platforms,Cloud Infrastructure,VPCs,Subnets,Route Tables,Security Groups,NACLs,Elastic Load Balancing,Network Firewall,Troubleshooting,Terraform,AWS CloudFormation,GCP Deployment Manager

About Zscaler

Zscaler empowers enterprises to modernize security, streamline operations and help transform business through its innovative approach to cybersecurity. The Zero Trust Exchange platform, strengthened by AI, safeguards thousands of customers against cyber threats and data breaches by securely connecting users, devices, and applications from any location. With over 500 billion transactions processed daily, Zscaler operates the largest in-line cloud security platform, preventing more than 9 billion security incidents and policy violations each day. Transform your business with Zscaler’s cutting-edge approach to cybersecurity.

Stay Connected:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zscaler
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zscaler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zscaler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zscalerinc/

Team size: 5,001-10,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Computer and Network Security

What you'll do

  • You will be responsible for ensuring ZIA software runs seamlessly in Public Cloud Infrastructure and will leverage your expertise in network security to drive hands-on development. Additionally, you will define and execute the technical roadmap for firewalls/SWG in Cloud Infrastructure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zscaler pay for a Principal Software Development Engineer?

Zscaler offers a competitive compensation package for the Principal Software Development Engineer role. The salary range is USD 207k - 295k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Principal Software Development Engineer do at Zscaler?

As a Principal Software Development Engineer at Zscaler, you will: you will be responsible for ensuring ZIA software runs seamlessly in Public Cloud Infrastructure and will leverage your expertise in network security to drive hands-on development. Additionally, you will define and execute the technical roadmap for firewalls/SWG in Cloud Infrastructure..

Why join Zscaler as a Principal Software Development Engineer?

Zscaler is a leading Computer and Network Security company. The Principal Software Development Engineer role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Principal Software Development Engineer position at Zscaler remote?

The Principal Software Development Engineer position at Zscaler is based in San Jose, California, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Principal Software Development Engineer position at Zscaler?

You can apply for the Principal Software Development Engineer position at Zscaler directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Zscaler on their website.