# Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)

**Company**: Zscaler
**Location**: Santa Clara, California
**Work arrangement**: hybrid
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Salary**: $185,500-$265,000 USD
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Technology

**Apply**: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zscaler/jobs/5216930007?utm_source=yubhub.co&utm_medium=jobs_feed&utm_campaign=apply
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_30cecaff-d15

## Description

Zscaler is looking for a Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane) to join its Engineering Team. This is a Hybrid role, reporting to the Senior Director, Software Development Engineering.

The Principal Software Engineer will design and implement high-performance data path features for load balancing and L7 protocols, directly enhancing the scalability and security of global networking infrastructure. They will leverage deep C programming expertise and autonomous ownership to drive complex architectural projects from initial concept to large-scale deployment.

Responsibilities:

- Design and implement Datapath features related to Load Balancer, Firewall rules, and L7 Protocol implementations

- Apply deep knowledge of C programming, data structures, and algorithms to build high-performance systems

- Independently drive moderately complex projects from conception to deployment with full ownership

- Utilize expert knowledge of networking protocols and services including DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLS

- Leverage Unix or Linux operating systems knowledge to optimize networking and security applications

Requirements:

- 12+ years of experience building large-scale commercial networking and security applications with proficiency in programming languages C or C++

- Strong foundational knowledge in data structures and algorithms

- Working experience in Linux, Unix, or similar operating systems

- BS or MS degree in CS/CE or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications:

- Exposure to AI-assisted software development tools and workflows

- Advanced knowledge of networking protocols and services, specifically DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLS

Benefits:

- Various health plans

- Time off plans for vacation and sick time

- Parental leave options

- Retirement options

- Education reimbursement

- In-office perks, and more!

Salary Range: $185,500-$265,000 USD

## Skills

### Required
- C
- Networking
- Dataplane
- Load Balancing
- L7 Protocols
- C++
- Linux
- Unix
- DNS
- HTTP
- TCP/IP
- SSL/TLS

### Nice to have
- AI-assisted software development tools
- Advanced networking protocols

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Source: [Apply at job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zscaler/jobs/5216930007?utm_source=yubhub.co&utm_medium=jobs_feed&utm_campaign=apply)