Senior Software Engineer - Network Protocols & Rust

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 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges 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 Software Engineer - Network Protocols & Rust to join our team. This is a Hybrid role based in San Jose, CA or Bellevue, WA (3 days in office), reporting to the Director of Software Engineering in the Emerging Tech department. You will build a high-reliability, low-latency AI security solution capable of scaling to hundreds of millions of users. In this role, you will be crucial in enhancing security capabilities for the AI within the world's largest cloud security platform by designing and implementing core infrastructure components and distributed systems while collaborating closely with stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Develop high-performance networking code for multiple desktop platforms using the Rust language and platform-native APIs
• Improve code quality through building solid, testable, and well-documented software foundations
• Design and implement major development projects with a focus on scalability, security, and performance
• Collaborate with product managers and cross-functional teams to deliver customer-impacting features
• Debug and solve complex network-related problems and enhance system functionality

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity by comfortably building the path as you walk it, viewing a dynamic environment as raw material to create meaningful outcomes.
• You act like an owner with a deep passion for the mission and a strong bias for action, seamlessly navigating between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are a natural problem-solver who is energized by complex challenges and laser-focused on delivering high-impact solutions.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who is ambitious for the team's success, actively embracing a culture of candor, respect, and continuous feedback.
• You are a lifelong learner with a growth mindset, constantly developing your skills and seeking purpose in everything you do.

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
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in the Rust programming language and familiarity with lower-level languages such as C/C++
• Strong knowledge of system and network programming including firewalls, VPNs, protocols, TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, QUIC, H/3, and proxies
• Familiarity with system concepts such as virtual memory, multi-threading, system APIs, SLM/LLM models, and excellent debugging and problem-solving skills in both networking and system-level contexts

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Deep understanding of AI security frameworks, threat modeling for large language models, and mitigating vulnerabilities unique to AI-driven architectures
• Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, VPN technologies, and a strong understanding of security protocols and standards
• Experience writing testable, low-complexity code with dependency injection, proficiency in Swift or Python, and direct experience validating AI-driven products using MLOps principles

#LI-Hybrid #LI-YC2

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

$132,000 — $165,000 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 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, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link.

Pay Transparency

Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules.

Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support.