Zscaler
Staff Software Engineer - AI Security (Go/Rust/Python)
At a Glance
About This 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 Staff Software Engineer - AI Security to join our team. This is a Hybrid role based in San Jose, CA, reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. We are building security products that enable organizations to adopt AI applications and agents safely and at scale. As a Staff Software Engineer, you will take ownership of complex engineering challenges, build secure and scalable systems, and raise the technical bar through hands-on execution and collaboration.
What you’ll do (Role Expectations)
- Define technical direction and architecture for major areas of the product
- Lead high-impact initiatives that span multiple teams and system boundaries
- Turn ambiguous product and security challenges into clear, executable engineering strategies
- Establish standards for secure, reliable, scalable, and maintainable systems
- Identify systemic risks, architectural gaps, and investments needed for long-term growth
Who You Are (Success Profile)
- You thrive in ambiguity. You build the path as you walk it, viewing ambiguity not as a hindrance but as raw material to create impactful solutions.
- You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action, seamlessly navigating between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
- You are a problem-solver. You are energized by complex challenges and finding elegant solutions that deliver maximum value.
- You are a high-trust collaborator. You build strong relationships through clear feedback, respect, and a commitment to team success.
- You are driven by innovation. You possess a deep curiosity for how systems work and are energized by solving technical challenges at the cutting edge of AI security.
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
- 5+ years of software-engineering experience, including technical leadership across complex production systems
- Strong proficiency in Go, Rust, and Python, with deep expertise in systems engineering, security engineering, and backend platforms
- Demonstrated experience architecting and evolving platforms that span multiple teams or product areas
- Proven ability to remain hands-on through coding, prototyping, design review, and complex debugging
- Deep understanding of concurrency, networking, storage, APIs, data systems, and cloud infrastructure on AWS, GCP, or Azure
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience building enterprise security, endpoint, cloud, or infrastructure products
- Familiarity with AI/ML systems, analytics platforms, AI applications, or AI security
- Experience helping a startup or high-growth product evolve into a scalable engineering organization
#LI-YC2 #LI-Hybrid
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.
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.
Source: Zscaler careers · View original posting
About Zscaler
Zscaler, Inc. is a prominent American cloud security company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2007 by Jay Chaudhry and K. Kailash. The company specializes in a cloud-native security platform that secures enterprise networks and data, adapting to the needs of cloud adoption and workforce mobility. Zscaler operates a global security cloud with over 150 data centers, ensuring rapid threat detection and protection for its customers.
Security at Zscaler
Compiled from public job postings, careers pages, and company materials. Data may not reflect current state — verify during interviews.
Security Philosophy
- Zscaler's AppSec philosophy includes protecting private apps and APIs with inline inspection and virtual patching.
- The company explicitly states 'shifting security left' and 'security is built in, not bolted on', emphasizing 'prevention at the source'.
- Their risk philosophy references MITRE ATT&CK alignment and prioritizing real-time threat detection.
Security Team
- Zscaler's leadership page lists the executive team, but direct AppSec reporting lines are not publicly detailed.
- LinkedIn profiles reveal a Product Security/Identity & Data Security director-level role (e.g., Krishna Athur).
- Job board index pages were found, but explicit counts for AppSec roles are not yet located.
Key Initiatives
- Zscaler's vulnerability management process involves triage via Bugcrowd and CVSS scoring, as stated on their Vulnerability Disclosure Program page (last updated).
- Product pages and LinkedIn profiles emphasize 'shift-left', 'secure-by-design', and inline protection.
- No explicit public evidence was found for a Security Champions program or internal SLAs/MTTR for remediation.
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