Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer (Backend Dev - C/C++)

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 Senior Staff Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a Hybrid role, reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. In this position, you will serve as a key technical leader and core development engineer, driving critical system-level optimizations, automation frameworks, and multi-cloud infrastructure strategy across our engineering ecosystem.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Work with Linux/FreeBSD-based systems for software development, including configuration and scripting for system-level optimization
• Work proficiently across public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, and GCP) to create and export VM images
• Write and maintain automation scripts with Python or Shell for infrastructure tasks, system monitoring, and cloud-based workloads
• Conduct performance profiling to analyze system performance and identify and troubleshoot resource utilization bottlenecks
• Collaborate with senior engineers to understand, debug, and resolve complex system and application-level issues

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity and build clear paths forward in dynamic environments, viewing complexity as raw material to construct meaningful solutions.
• You act like an owner with a strong bias for action and high integrity, seamlessly navigating between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are an energized problem-solver who actively seeks out tough technical challenges to deliver maximum business impact.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who fosters an open challenge culture through constructive candor, mutual respect, and dedication to team success.
• You embody a true growth mindset, continuously seeking self-development and active feedback to become a stronger partner and teammate.

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
• 7+ years of experience in C programming with a strong understanding of its core principles and performance optimization
• Hands-on experience with Python and/or Shell scripting for automation tasks to improve workflow efficiency
• Solid knowledge of Linux/FreeBSD-based operating systems, including process management, threading, memory management, and networking
• Proficiency in working with AWS, Azure, and GCP, including tasks like creating VM images, exporting them, and maintaining infrastructure
• Proficiency in designing and maintaining distributed systems, with hands-on experience building, testing, and deploying via Jenkins pipelines

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency
• Knowledge of networking concepts and protocols, with hands-on experience translating them into system-level solutions
• Hands-on experience with database internals, tuning, and optimization
• Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git) for collaborative development

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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.