Principal Software Development Engineer (C Programming)

About Zscaler

Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI-forward enterprise , we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world's largest security data lake to power our cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our 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 say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. 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 be part of the team that's helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and 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.

Base Pay Range

$182,000-$260,000 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 (https://www.zscaler.com/careers) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) 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.