Role

We are looking for a Senior Software Development Engineer-AI Security to join us as a founding member of our AI Security Team. This is a Hybrid role based in San Jose, CA or Bellevue, WA (3 days in office), reporting to the Director of Software Engineering within the Emerging Tech org.

You will build a high-reliability, low-latency AI security solution capable of scaling to hundreds of millions of users. In this role, you will be crucial in enhancing security capabilities for the AI within the world's largest cloud security platform by designing and implementing core infrastructure components and distributed systems while collaborating closely with stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.

What you'll do (Role Expectations)

• Develop high-performance networking code for multiple desktop platforms using the Rust language and platform-native APIs
• Improve code quality through building solid, testable, and well-documented software foundations
• Design and implement major development projects with a focus on scalability, security, and performance
• Collaborate with product managers and cross-functional teams to deliver customer-impacting features
• Debug and solve complex network-related problems and enhance system functionality

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)

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in the Rust programming language and familiarity with lower-level languages such as C/C++
• Strong knowledge of system and network programming including firewalls, VPNs, protocols, TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, QUIC, H/3, and proxies
• Familiarity with system concepts such as virtual memory, multi-threading, and system APIs, and familiarity with SLM and LLM models
• Excellent debugging and problem-solving skills in both networking and system-level contexts

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, VPN technologies, and a strong understanding of security protocols and standards
• Experience writing testable, low-complexity code with dependency injection and thorough documentation
• Proficiency in additional programming languages like Swift, Python, or comparable technologies; direct experience in validating AI-driven products, including understanding of model performance metrics and MLOps principles

#LI-Hybrid #LI-YC2

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

$112,000-$160,000 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 Future of Work strategy, hybrid working model, and benefits here.