Principal Machine Learning Engineer

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 Machine Learning Engineer to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore, reporting to the Director, Software Development Engineering in the Exposure Management & Security Operations department In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of advanced machine learning models, mentoring junior team members, and driving strategic AI and data science initiatives. You will have a deep understanding of various stages of an end-to-end Machine Learning project and will be capable of translating business problems into data-driven solutions What you’ll do (Role Expectations) • Architect, implement, and evaluate advanced machine learning models and innovative technical solutions directly aligned with strategic business objectives • Guide and support data science team members through hands-on project direction, technical best practices, and structured professional development • Partner with cross-functional teams to define project roadmaps and translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights that drive data-informed decision-making • Champion organization-wide strategic initiatives, proactively identifying high-impact opportunities for process optimization and technological innovation • Monitor emerging advancements in machine learning and data science, translating state-of-the-art research into practical, high-value applications 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) • Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain • 12+ years of proven success as a Machine Learning Engineer or Data Scientist, leading high-impact projects that leverage ML/AI to solve real-world business problems at scale • Deep expertise in Python (pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch) and SQL, backed by extensive hands-on experience in feature engineering, rigorous model evaluation, and comprehensive error analysis • In-depth knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their practical applications, coupled with a proven agility to rapidly learn, evaluate, and adopt emerging technologies • Outstanding interpersonal and technical communication skills, enabling seamless collaboration and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) • Deep expertise in fine-tuning Large Language Models, advanced prompt engineering, Graph Neural Networks, Knowledge Graphs, and unsupervised clustering and evaluation • Strong command of operating systems and distributed architectures, with hands-on proficiency in (Py)Spark, major public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and ML automation tooling such as Kubeflow • Demonstrated track record of technical innovation supported by relevant research publications or patents, alongside a solid foundational understanding of networking and network security concepts #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. 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 • R