Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer

About the role

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 - Java, API to join our team. This is a Santa Clara, CA role, reporting to the Sr. Director, Software Engineering in the Zero Trust Exchange department. We are looking for a dynamic and inspired individual who will support and assist in driving the visionary innovation of Zscaler over the next decade. In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Zscaler technology, especially with the Zscaler Client Cloud Platform. You will work closely with our executive team and lead a team to drive cutting-edge services into the industry.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Take the Zscaler Client Connector Cloud service to the next level in terms of reliability, availability and scalability
• Be a key decision-maker for all things related to product architecture
• Be a great teammate and help us maintain our positive culture
• Collaborate closely with architects from other product areas on the roadmaps

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You act like an owner, bringing a deep passion for the mission and a strong bias for action while seamlessly navigating between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are a problem-solver who is energized by complex challenges and focused on delivering high-impact, elegant solutions.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who embraces feedback, fosters ongoing candor, and actively drives success for the entire team.
• You are customer-obsessed, anchoring your engineering decisions in empathy to solve real-world problems for both internal and external users.
• You are driven by innovation, bringing a natural curiosity to technical challenges and a passion for building secure, highly scalable architectures.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in application development using Java and a Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar discipline
• Technical knowledge of: Enterprise Java, OOP, OOA, systems architecture and RESTful APIs, Kubernetes, Microservices and related frameworks, relational and NoSQL databases, Hibernate, CI/CD (tools and processes)
• Hands-on experience developing and supporting highly scalable cloud-based solutions like AWS, GCP
• Must have experience with designing and implementing enterprise-grade Security or Networking products
• Hands-on experience with JavaScript and jQuery, alongside knowledge of Security, Authentication/Authorization and encryption best practices

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency
• MS degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering preferred
• Experience with streaming data processing infrastructure and/or experience with identities and access management systems, like Okta, SAML protocols, and security services, alongside knowledge of OAuth, Privilege Access Management, and React.js

#LI-DY1

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

$180,000—$225,000 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 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.