Staff Software Development Engineer - C/Linux

About the Position

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Nice to Have

• 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

We Offer

• Various health plans
• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• Education reimbursement
• In-office perks, and more!

About the Company

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.

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.

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.