Principal Software Development Engineer

About Zscaler

Zscaler is a pioneer and global leader in zero trust security. The world’s largest businesses, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies rely on Zscaler to secure users, branches, applications, data & devices, and to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Distributed across more than 160 data centers globally, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform combined with advanced AI combats billions of cyber threats and policy violations every day and unlocks productivity gains for modern enterprises by reducing costs and complexity.

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 champion an “AI Forward, People First” philosophy to help us accelerate and innovate, empowering our people to embrace their 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 to help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Role

We are looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer to join our Engineering team in a hybrid capacity, reporting to the Senior Director, Engineering. You’ll help manage digital risk by applying security through identity integration and controls, building workflows and application integrations in coordination with the larger IAM, Product Management, and Business teams.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Design and develop enterprise-grade Identity Management Products

• Participate in the design and implementation of core product functionality and key technical initiatives

• Mentor junior engineers with best practices

• Collaborate across teams to deliver projects from inception to production

• Collaborate with team members to maintain a positive working culture

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)

• 14+ years of hands-on experience in Java-based application architecture and development, with expertise in creating enterprise-grade Security or Networking products

• Strong expertise in Identity and Access Management protocols, including SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect

• Expert-level proficiency in Enterprise Java, OOP, OOA, systems architecture, and RESTful APIs

• Deep knowledge of Java frameworks like Hibernate and Spring

• Proficiency in CI/CD tools and processes

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, and container infrastructure

• Experience with Java reactive programming

#LI-Hybrid #LI-RM6

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.

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