Staff Software Development Engineer

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. We are looking for a Staff Software Development Engineer to join our ZPA Data Path team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore (onsite 3 days a week), reporting to the Manager, Engineering within the Engineering department. You will be a key part of the team that built the world’s largest cloud security platform from the ground up. We are seeking a visionary to help enhance our services and global footprint, enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility through a cloud-first strategy. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) Develop and optimize network applications and protocols using C and Python Design efficient data structures for network data processing and handle system-level programming in Linux environments Analyze network performance to identify issues and implement optimization solutions Collaborate with teams to define requirements, design architectures, and integrate network solutions Conduct code reviews, testing, and debugging to ensure robust and reliable software Who You Are (Success Profile) You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it. You thrive in a dynamic environment, seeing ambiguity not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful. 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. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. You are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact. You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, not just yourself. You embrace our challenge culture by giving and receiving ongoing feedback—knowing that candor delivered with clarity and respect is the truest form of teamwork and the fastest way to earn trust. You are a learner. You have a true growth mindset and are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose. What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications) 5+ years of experience in a distributed and enterprise-scale environment Strong knowledge of C programming specifically for network-related data handling and processing Expertise in Linux environments, including system-level programming, scripting, and troubleshooting Experience with networking