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 Senior Staff Software Development Engineer (C/C++, TCP/IP, Datapath) to join our Zero Trust Exchange team. This is a hybrid role based onsite in San Jose three days a week reporting to the Sr. Manager, Software Development Engineering. As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you will architect and build next generation products. By designing high-performance, ultra-low-latency distributed systems, you will directly drive our transformation in cloud-based security while ensuring a seamless, lightning-fast experience for a rapidly scaling global user base.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

Build and scale the Data Plane for Zscaler's Workload Security product, directly shaping the future of cloud-based microsegmentation
Develop and implement cutting-edge, eBPF-based distributed host firewalls across Linux and/or Windows environments
Write highly efficient, system-level C/C++ code to optimize the network datapath and process packets at ultra-high speeds with zero perceived latency
Navigate OS-level architecture in Linux, while stepping in to tackle Windows system development (non-driver) to ensure seamless cross-platform security
Design distributed system components that maintain high responsiveness and ultra-low latency during high-load, enterprise-scale traffic

Who You Are (Success Profile)

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. You adapt to what’s needed, navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
You are a problem-solver. You seek out challenges because you are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
You are driven by innovation. You have a deep curiosity for how things work and are energized by solving complex technical challenges. You believe in the power of technology to accelerate transformation and are always looking for a better, more secure, and scalable way.
You are a pragmatic builder. You are obsessed with creating, iterating, and shipping. You aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves and build the first version yourself, balancing the drive for technical excellence with the need to deliver value to users quickly.
You think at scale. You connect your day-to-day work to the larger company mission and think globally. You build solutions, processes, and teams that are not just effective today but are built to last and support a high-growth, global organization.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

8+ years of heavy, hands-on system-level coding experience in C or C++
Proven track record working directly on networking product lines, firewalls, or deep datapath optimization
Strong system-level understanding of Linux operating systems, with the willingness to work within Windows environments as needed
In-depth understanding of the TCP/IP stack, performance parameters, and socket programming
Experience delivering complete software lifecycles for highly distributed, high-volume enterprise applications

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

Direct, hands-on experience with eBPF and/or Windows Filter Platform (WFP)
Experience in endpoint security, microsegmentation, or tackling similar scale
A strong foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles that complements your core networking expertise

#LI-Hybrid #LI-KM9

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

$154,000—$220,000 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.

Senior Staff Software Development Engineer (C/C++, TCP/IP, Datapath)

Job Description