Staff Software Development Engineer - C/Linux

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 200+ public data centers globally and thousands of private sites at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world’s hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.

Role

We are looking for a Staff Software Development Engineer to join our ZIA Cloud team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore, India, reporting to the Senior Manager, Software Development 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 across our global platforms.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Driving the modernization of core platforms from design to deployment, transforming complex, synchronized systems into adaptable, loosely coupled cloud architectures
• Designing and shepherding resilient data pathways and intelligent, multi-variable routing solutions to ensure high availability for global clients
• Defining and executing the technical roadmap for core defense systems by building foundational frameworks for next-generation cloud security postures
• Partnering cross-functionally to tackle complex challenges and optimize deployments within modern, scalable public cloud environments
• Fostering a culture of engineering excellence and mentoring engineers through hands-on prototyping, rigorous code reviews, and technical leadership

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)

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
• Mastery of TCP/IP, DNS, HTTPS, VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL VPN), NAT, and load balancing alongside proven experience extending FW/SWG solutions to native cloud services
• 6+ years of hands-on expertise in C/C++ programming for systems engineering
• Extensive experience architecting, developing, and troubleshooting within Unix/Linux environments
• Strong experience in core networking or cloud security infrastructure

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience integrating AI/ML frameworks or intelligent telemetry models to optimize cloud data path performance and automate network anomaly detection
• Proficiency with Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or GCP Deployment Manager for provisioning and managing public cloud infrastructure
• Deep knowledge of BSD/Linux operating systems, kernel bypass techniques such as DPDK, and designing high-throughput, low-latency network security products

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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 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.