Senior Director, Software Engineering - Datapath

About Zscaler

Zscaler accelerates digital transformation so our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. Our cloud native Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of 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 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 make a positive difference on a global scale, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity.

We are seeking a Senior Director, Engineering to lead key initiatives for our flagship Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) platform. Reporting to the VP, Engineering, and working in a hybrid capacity from our San Jose, CA office 3 days a week, you will be responsible for:

• Leading and scaling engineering teams, driving a culture of execution and quality while balancing service stability with feature innovation
• Serving as a strong mentor and coach to develop engineering talent and nurture technical excellence within the organization
• Collaborating closely with product management to define, prioritize, and deliver on the strategic ZIA product roadmap
• Partnering with customer-facing organizations, including support and customer success, to improve service delivery and drive better outcomes
• Evangelizing the ZIA product vision and strategy internally and externally, representing Zscaler engineering at all levels

What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications):

• BS/MS in Computer Science or a related engineering/technical field
• 15+ years of progressive experience in technical engineering roles, including significant experience in a senior leadership capacity
• Deep domain expertise in Secure Web Gateway (SWG), L4-L7 Proxy technologies, distributed systems, and authentication/authorization mechanisms
• Proven experience operating high-performance, large-scale network security platforms within an Agile/CI/CD development lifecycle
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications):

• Strong Go-To-Market (GTM) and business analysis skills
• Direct experience leading and managing geographically distributed engineering teams
• A track record of identifying and addressing process or architectural gaps to drive continuous improvement

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-BH1

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$231,000—$330,000 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 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 Future of Work strategy, 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 em