Principal Software Development Engineer

Zscaler · San Jose, California, USA, USA

Join Zscaler as a Principal Software Development Engineer to architect and implement critical cybersecurity data pipelines that power global threat management. You’ll drive innovation at the intersection of AI, security, and cloud-native platforms — shaping how enterprises secure their digital future. This is a remote role based in the US with high-impact ownership and a culture that values execution over activity.

About the Role

As a Principal Software Development Engineer, you’ll join our Technical Implementation and Integration team to design, build, and scale data pipelines that connect diverse security tools and deliver measurable customer outcomes. You’ll work remotely from anywhere in the US, partnering with Sales, Product, and Services to translate customer needs into technical solutions. We’re looking for a self-driven, high-impact engineer who thrives in ambiguity, owns outcomes, and leverages AI to amplify impact. If you’re passionate about solving complex problems and building systems that matter, this is your opportunity to shape the next generation of enterprise security.

What You Will Do

Design and implement scalable data pipelines for cybersecurity tools including EDR, VM scanners, CNAPP/CSPM, ticketing/CMDB, identity, and cloud logs.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer requirements into technical solutions.

Develop and deploy AI-driven solutions to enhance threat detection and response.

Own the end-to-end lifecycle of data pipelines from architecture to deployment and monitoring.

Contribute to the evolution of Zscaler’s cloud-native security platform.

Lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.

Ensure systems are secure, performant, and aligned with enterprise security standards.

Participate in product roadmap planning and technical decision-making.

What We Are Looking For

Strong engineering background combined with broad understanding of cybersecurity concepts.

Hands-on experience managing cybersecurity data pipelines (SIEM or Vulnerability Management platforms).

Proven track record integrating security tools and data sources (EDR, VM scanners, CNAPP/CSPM, ticketing/CMDB, identity, cloud logs).

Proficiency in Python and SQL for data analysis, modeling, parsing, transformations, API interaction, automation, and troubleshooting.

Foundational knowledge of AI/ML technologies with experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions.

Experience with cloud-native architectures and distributed systems.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in ambiguous environments.

Excellent communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Experience with CI/CD, containerization, and DevOps practices.

Experience with security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).

Nice to Have

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent professional experience.

Excellent problem-solving abilities and high level of attention to detail.

Direct experience working with data transformation pipelines.

Experience with Kubernetes, Terraform, or similar infrastructure-as-code tools.

Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).

Experience with security automation and orchestration tools (e.g., SOAR).

Experience with large-scale data processing (e.g., Spark, Flink).

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Experience with API design and RESTful services.

Experience with monitoring and observability tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana).

Apply now to join a team that’s redefining enterprise security — where your engineering skills will have global impact.

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