Principal Software Development 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 Software Development 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 architect, build, and scale critical security operations and exposure management infrastructure. You will drive end-to-end technical execution, mentor engineering talent, and lead the delivery of high-performance microservices and cloud-native solutions. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) • Designing and developing high-quality, scalable, and secure software systems, including microservices and REST/gRPC APIs • Leading the design and implementation of distributed systems using Messaging, Search stores, and cloud storage solutions • Collaborating with front-end engineers to deliver APIs that enable user-focused, high-performance interfaces • Mentoring junior engineers and fostering team growth through knowledge sharing and guidance • Monitoring system health, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing services with a DevOps mindset 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 • 13+ years of hands-on software application development experience with distributed systems and cloud storage solutions • Proficiency with Java, Spring frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, Spring Security), and containerization with Docker or Kubernetes • Deep understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS or GCP and experience with observability tools like DataDog, Grafana, or Prometheus • Expertise across the full Software Development Life Cycle, including version control with Git, design, deployment, and system optimization What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) • Experience integrating AI/ML model inference, AI security controls, or automated threat intelligence into high-throughput microservices • Expertise in designing for SLAs, high availability, disaster recovery, and cost optimization • Background in test-driven development (TDD), Agile workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and relational or NoSQL databases #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 • Retirement options • Education reimbursement • In-office perks, and more! Learn more about Zscaler's 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 employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gen