Role

We are looking for a Principal, AI Research Engineer to join our AI & Data Protection team. This role is hybrid based in San Jose, CA, and reports to the EVP, AI Security and Strategic Initiatives.

Zscaler's mission is to secure the world's data in the age of AI. As the leader of the world's largest security cloud, the Zero Trust Exchange, we are uniquely positioned to define how the global enterprise safely adopts, scales, and secures Artificial Intelligence. You will be the primary architect of Zscaler's AI ecosystem, bridging the gap between our core Zero Trust platform and the rapidly evolving world of LLMs, GPU infrastructure, and AI application frameworks. This role is ideal for a technical leader who deeply understands the "AI Stack" and has a proven track record of building thriving developer and partner ecosystems at scale.

What you'll do (Role Expectations)

• Define the AI Ecosystem Strategy by leading the vision for integrations with frontier model providers, vector database companies, and AI infrastructure leaders
• Lead the "Secure AI" roadmap by owning the lifecycle for features that enable safe use of 3rd-party LLMs and prevent data leakage
• Build a developer ecosystem by defining and launching APIs, SDKs, and integration patterns for "Zero Trust-native" applications
• Drive market leadership and cross-functional partnerships to turn complex technical integrations into high-growth go-to-market motions

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)

• 8+ years of experience in technical leadership or engineering partnerships with a history of building impactful industry relationships
• Deep technical fluency in the AI lifecycle including training vs. inference, GPU roles, context windows, and RAG architectures
• Ability to apply first-principles thinking to fundamental security and networking challenges in enterprise LLM deployment
• Strong bias for action with a "Ship Early, Iterate Fast" mentality and focus on delivering high-value MVPs
• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven track record of building thriving developer and partner ecosystems at scale
• Deep understanding of the full "AI Stack" from inference and RAG to data governance
• Experience in high-velocity environments where AI security and networking solutions are evolving daily

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-CM3

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

$171,500-$245,000 USD

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.