Sr. Staff Software Development Engineer - Networking + Go

Zscaler 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.

We are looking for a Senior Staff Software Development Engineer to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore, India reporting to the Director, Software Engineering in the Engineering department. You will join the team that built the world's largest cloud security platform from the ground up, enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud-first strategy.

Role Expectations

• Design, develop and optimize high-performance network system architecture, control plane services, and WAN failover mechanisms to ensure high availability and rapid convergence.
• Develop kernel-level networking features (eBPF, NFLOG rate limiting) and perform advanced packet tracing, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Harden system security for public sector infrastructure, implementing TPM2, FIPS-certified cryptography, secure bootstrapping, and strict compliance standards.
• Expand containerized platforms and Python-based control plane orchestration, managing image creation pipelines and activation across physical and cloud deployments.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to review PRDs, author technical specifications, and drive comprehensive unit, integration, and automated testing.
• Resolve critical customer escalations, translating systemic defects into architectural enhancements and mentoring junior engineers on design and AI-assisted workflows.

Success Profile

• You thrive in ambiguity, easily building the path as you walk it and transforming dynamic challenges into meaningful, scalable solutions.
• You act like an owner with a strong bias for action, operating with integrity while moving seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are a problem-solver who is energized by finding solutions to complex technical challenges that drive maximum impact.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who is ambitious for the team, fostering continuous growth through open, candid, and respectful feedback.
• You are a learner with a growth mindset, actively seeking feedback and exploring new technologies to continuously elevate yourself and your partners.

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 or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field with 10+ years of experience in system engineering for high-performance networking.
• Deep expertise in Linux systems programming and networking subsystems (L2/L3 architecture, netfilter, packet routing) alongside mastery of core network protocols including DHCP, DNS, IPsec, WireGuard, and GRE.
• Proficiency in Go and Python programming languages with strong problem-solving skills for debugging complex data path issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to design scalable systems effectively in a high-accountability environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating AI/ML frameworks or intelligent data path analysis models to optimize kernel-level networking performance and automate predictive threat detection.
• Hands-on experience with eBPF, NFLOG, bpftrace for kernel-level tracing, paired with practical familiarity operating VyOS or modern Network Operating Systems.
• Proven track record in optimizing container footprints, configuring CI/CD pipelines, managing artifact proxy repositories, and proactively remediating security vulnerabilities and exposed secrets.
• Practical background working with TPM2 integration, cellular modem configurations, or dedicated enterprise appliance hardware such as the Dell VEP series.
• Experience with WireGuard, tunneling protocols (GRE, L2VPN), HA protocols (VRRP), alongside certifications like FIPS or FedRAMP and prior experience with TLS, DTLS, and QUIC.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS or Azure), containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), and advanced virtualization or security solutions.

Benefits

• Various health plans
• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• Education reimbursement
• In-office perks, and more!