Senior Staff Software Development Engineer (C/C++, TCP/IP, Datapath)

About Zscaler Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI-forward enterprise , we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world’s largest security data lake to power our cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate —we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high-performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession , collaboration, ownership, and accountability. We value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where you’re enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges, and want to be part of the team that’s helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity. Role We are looking for a Senior Staff Software Development Engineer (C/C++, TCP/IP, Datapath) to join our Zero Trust Exchange team. This is a hybrid role based onsite in San Jose three days a week reporting to the Sr. Manager, Software Development Engineering. As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you will architect and build next generation products. By designing high-performance, ultra-low-latency distributed systems, you will directly drive our transformation in cloud-based security while ensuring a seamless, lightning-fast experience for a rapidly scaling global user base. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) Build and scale the Data Plane for Zscaler's Workload Security product, directly shaping the future of cloud-based microsegmentation Develop and implement cutting-edge, eBPF-based distributed host firewalls across Linux and/or Windows environments Write highly efficient, system-level C/C++ code to optimize the network datapath and process packets at ultra-high speeds with zero perceived latency Navigate OS-level architecture in Linux, while stepping in to tackle Windows system development (non-driver) to ensure seamless cross-platform security Design distributed system components that maintain high responsiveness and ultra-low latency during high-load, enterprise-scale traffic Who You Are (Success Profile) You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action. You operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. You adapt to what’s needed, navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. You are a problem-solver. You seek out challenges because you are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact. You are driven by innovation. You have a deep curiosity for how things work and are energized by solving complex technical challenges. You believe in the power of technology to accelerate transformation and are always looking for a better, more secure, and scalable way. You are a pragmatic builder. You are obsessed with creating, iterating, and shipping. You aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves and build the first version yourself, balancing the drive for technical excellence with the need to deliver value to users quickly. You think at scale. You connect your day-to-day work to the larger company mission and think globally. You build solutions, processes, and teams that are not just effective today but are built to last and support a high-growth, global organization. What We’re Looking for (Minimum Q