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 Principal Software Development Engineer (C Programming) to join our Engineering team. This is a hybrid role based in San Jose, CA (3 days a week in office), reporting to the Senior Director, Application Engineering - Central Authority. You will work on the control plane for the Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) product, which has redefined how security services are delivered in the cloud. You bring an understanding of security protocols and services.
What you’ll do (Role Expectations)
Practice technical leadership in design, development, and optimization of control path features in Cloud Infrastructure
Define and execute the technical roadmap ensuring alignment with business goals
Develop and own components of a large-scale distributed system with a focus on scalability
Use AI-powered tools for advanced problem solving and engineering efficiency
Mentor other engineers
Who You Are (Success Profile)
You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it and see ambiguity as the raw material to build something meaningful.
You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action, and you navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
You are customer-obsessed. You build deep empathy for the customer and anchor your decisions in solving their real-world problems.
You are driven by innovation. You have a deep curiosity for how things work and are energized by solving complex technical challenges.
You think at scale. You build solutions and processes that are built to last and support a high-growth, global organization.
What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
12+ years of experience in C programming; Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Engineering/Computer Science (or equivalent experience)
Expertise in networking protocols and services like DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, SSL/TLS and strong knowledge of authentication protocols like LDAP, SAML, OAuth
Strong experience in FreeBSD or Linux systems internals
Strong fundamentals with high-performance computing, distributed systems, event-based programming, memory optimization, and fault tolerance
Software design, profiling, and verification skills along with proficiency in design/code reviews and writing automated unit and integration tests
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience in Go or Rust
Experience in cloud computing with AWS, GCP, or other cloud providers, and containerization using Docker and Kubernetes
Knowledge of PostgreSQL
#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.
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.
Top Skills
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