Principal Software Development Engineer - Golang/Python + Networking

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 Principal Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore,India reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. You will join the team that built the world’s largest cloud security platform from the ground up, enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud-first strategy. With more than 100 patents and 15 million users across 185 countries, you will bring your vision to a team of experts dedicated to enhancing our multitenant architecture and global footprint.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

- Designing, developing, and optimizing high-performance network system architecture and security features to support mission-critical applications

- Partnering with Engineering Architects, Product Managers, Solution Architects, and customers to understand complex use cases and review PRDs

- Authoring design and functional specifications while driving unit testing and automation to ensure high product quality

- Collaborating across cross-functional teams to resolve system-level issues, optimize data path performance, and drive feature innovation

- Applying advanced software design principles and troubleshooting expertise to coach junior team members and maintain compliance with federal security certifications

Who You Are (Success Profile)

- You thrive in ambiguity, easily building the path as you walk it and transforming dynamic challenges into meaningful, scalable solutions.

- You act like an owner with a strong bias for action, operating with integrity while moving seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.

- You are a problem-solver who is energized by finding solutions to complex technical challenges that drive maximum impact.

- You are a high-trust collaborator who is ambitious for the team, fostering continuous growth through open, candid, and respectful feedback.