Senior Services Architect

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 Senior Services Architect to join our team. This is a Hybrid (Bangalore, Mohali, or Pune) role, reporting to the Sr. Director, Solution Consulting in the Professional Services (Solution Consulting) department. As a vital technical cornerstone of the Professional Services GTM and Sales organization, you will operate in a high-impact capacity partnering directly with Service Sales Managers (SSMs) to provide deep architectural expertise during the scoping, sizing, and positioning of Zscaler Professional Services. Your primary mission is to ensure that proposed customer engagements are technically sound, accurately estimated, and perfectly aligned with customer zero-trust architectural goals and deployment best practices. This is a front-end, GTM-aligned technical role focused on de-risking and structuring complex deals before contracts are signed. Aligned with US/American enterprise customers. Work time is US time. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) • Lead technical discovery sessions and deep-dive architecture workshops with enterprise customers to evaluate network architecture, security posture, application catalogs, and migration timelines • Serve as the primary technical advisor to Service Sales Managers (SSMs), answering complex architectural questions and translating customer requirements into high-value service packages • Architect custom Statements of Work (SOWs) for complex, multi-product deployments (including ZIA, ZPA, ZDX, and Workload/Cloud Protection) while validating technical feasibility, risk mitigation, and precise level-of-effort (LOE) estimates • Bridge sales and delivery by facilitating seamless, fully documented handovers of technical requirements, design decisions, and scoped outcomes to post-sales implementation teams upon deal closure • Drive scoping governance to eliminate scope bloat using standardized sizing drivers, while enabling the GTM ecosystem through product workshops, readiness gates, and deal triage office hours Who You Are (Success Profile) • Thrive in ambiguity, navigating dynamic environments with confidence to build clear paths forward and transform complex challenges into structured, impactful solutions. • Act like an owner, bringing an intrinsic bias for action and accountability while moving seamlessly between high-level strategy and detailed technical execution. • Problem-solver at core, energized by tackling complex architectural hurdles and committed to delivering high-impact, practical solutions. • High-trust collaborator, dedicated to collective team success and fostering a culture of open, candid feedback to build enduring trust across sales and delivery organizations. • Customer-obsessed mindset, maintaining deep empathy for internal and external stakeholders to anchor every architectural recommendation in real-world customer success. What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications) • Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving • 7+ years of experience in a customer-facing technical role (such as Solutions Architecture, Sales Engineering, or Technical Consulting) within the cybersecurity or network infrastructure domain • Deep technical fluency in Zero Trust architecture, including Secure Web Gateways (SWG), SASE/SSE, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), routing, firewalls, and Identity and Access Management (IAM) • Proven expertise in translating complex technical architectures into defined project phases, tangible deliverables, and precise level-of-effort (LOE) Statement of Work (SOW) scopes What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) • Experience leveraging AI-powered sales intelligence platforms or positioning AI-driven security architectures to accelerate complex sales cycles • Exceptional presentation, whiteboarding, and technical communication skills with a proven track record of engaging both hands-on network engineers and C-level executives (CIOs/CISOs) • Track record of supporting multiple Service Sales Specialists across concurrent enterprise deals, accompanied by advanced networking or security certifications (such as Zscaler ZCCP-IA/PA or equivalent industry credentials) #LI-Hybrid #LI-VV3 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 • Pa