Greenhouse ·
full-timePrincipal Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering
Zscaler · Santa Clara, California, USA
Zscaler is a cloud security company focused on digital transformation through its Zero Trust Exchange platform. As a Principal Software Development Engineer within the Identity and Access Management department, you will lead the design and development of enterprise-grade identity management products. Your daily responsibilities will involve architecting centralized IAM solutions, spearheading the technical roadmap for Kubernetes platforms, and optimizing identity integration controls to manage digital risk. You will be expected to balance high-level architectural strategy with hands-on development, utilizing your expertise in Java, Spring, and container orchestration. This role requires a leader who can navigate complex, ambiguous environments while driving technical growth and professional development within the team. The ideal candidate possesses deep experience with cloud-native security, CI/CD automation, and large-scale distributed systems. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to enhance the Common Identity platform, ensuring that security solutions are both scalable and efficient for global enterprise needs. This position is suited for a seasoned engineer with a strong background in security or networking who is comfortable leading technical initiatives in an AI-native enterprise environment.
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, reporting to the Director, Software Development Engineering ZIdentity team in the Identity and Access Management department. Identity is the new security perimeter. Come help manage digital risk by applying security through identity integration and controls. You will be responsible for the design and development of enterprise-grade Identity Management Products for Zscaler, leveraging your deep expertise in IAM and public cloud environments to drive hands-on development and provide technical leadership. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) Practice technical leadership in the design, development, and optimization of the Identity platform, focusing on strategy for cost-effective product growth and expansion Spearhead the technical roadmap for the Kubernetes platform, architecting centralized identity and access management (IAM) solutions to support enterprise-scale business goals Work closely with engineering teams to enhance support for the Common Identity platform Drive professional development and growth initiatives for team members Who You Are (Success Profile) Thrive in ambiguity, comfortably building the path as you walk it and viewing dynamic environments as opportunities to construct meaningful solutions. Operate with a strong sense of ownership, bringing a passion for the mission, high integrity, and the capability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. Demonstrate a proactive problem-solving focus, eagerly running toward challenges and remaining laser-focused on delivering high-impact outcomes. Build high-trust collaboration, prioritizing team success, welcoming constructive feedback, and practicing clear and respectful candor to establish strong partnerships. Maintain a continuous growth mindset, actively seeking feedback and development to grow as a partner, teammate, and purpose-driven leader. What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications) Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain Minimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in application architecture and development using Java, including developing enterprise-grade Security or Networking products Expert-level technical knowledge of Enterprise Java, OOP, OOA, systems architecture, RESTful APIs, and related frameworks such as Hibernate and Spring Expert-level knowledge of container ecosystems (Docker, Kubernetes) and orchestrating massive-scale K8s clusters in AWS and GCP Deep experience architecting highly automated, secure CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitOps, ArgoCD, Jenkins, GitLab CI) to enable zero-downtime deployments across global environments Expertise designing and optimizing Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB), cloud load balancers, Kubernetes Ingress Controllers, and foundational protocols like PKI, SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency Prior experience building identity platforms or hyper-scale Kubernetes platforms #LI-CM3 #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. Base Pay Range $185,500 — $265,000 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 enviro
| Role | Principal Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering |
|---|---|
| Company | Zscaler |
| Location | Santa Clara, California, USA |
| Type | full-time |
| Compensation | Not disclosed |
| Posted | 2026-10-19 |
| Deadline | Rolling |
Typical process for this type of role
A general guide — the exact steps for this specific listing may vary; check the original posting for details.
- 1ApplicationSubmit your resume through the apply link.
- 2ScreeningRecruiter reviews your background against the role.
- 3AssessmentA technical test, assignment, or coding round, depending on the role.
- 4Interview(s)One or more rounds with the hiring team.
- 5OfferOffer letter with compensation and start date.
Before you apply
0/4Principal Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering at Zscaler: frequently asked questions
- What is the salary for this role?
- Zscaler has not stated compensation in the listing. Check the original posting or ask during the application process.
- Is the Principal Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering position remote, hybrid or onsite?
- The listing gives Santa Clara, California, USA as the location and does not state a work mode.
- What is the application deadline?
- Zscaler has not listed a fixed deadline, so apply early in case the opening is filled.
- How do I apply for the Principal Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering role?
- Use the Apply button on this page. It opens the original listing on job-boards.greenhouse.io, where you submit your application with the company.
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