Staff Software Development Engineer

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 Staff Software Development Engineer to join our Shared Platform Services team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore, reporting to the Director of Engineering.

You will be working on the Zscaler Client Connector team to protect corporate devices by securely and privately sending traffic to Zscaler’s global network, where advanced web filtering and Zero Trust policies are applied.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Predominantly use C++ and platform-native languages and APIs to implement high-performance networking code across multiple desktop platforms
• Improve code quality and build solid, testable, and well-documented foundations
• Utilize your deep understanding of system programming and networking protocols to ensure seamless connectivity and device security

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity and are comfortable building the path as you walk it, seeing uncertainty as the raw material to build something meaningful.
• You act like an owner with a passion for the mission that fuels your bias for action, navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are data-driven and use analytics to find the truth, measure what matters, and replace assumptions with evidence to drive better outcomes.
• You think at scale, connecting your day-to-day work to the larger company mission while building solutions and processes that support a high-growth, global organization.
• You lead with integrity, doing the right thing even when it’s hard and building trust through consistent, transparent action.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• In-depth knowledge and professional experience with the C++ language
• Strong understanding of network protocols and experience with socket programming
• Expertise in the Linux ecosystem with a comprehensive understanding of Linux system architecture
• Flexibility to learn and work across multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
• Proven experience writing easily-testable and thoroughly-tested code using abstractions like dependency injection

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with kernel-mode programming
• High level of comfort writing multithreaded and asynchronous code
• Strong track record of debugging complex network-related problems

#LI-HYBRID

#LI-GL2

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:

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.