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From the employer's careers site First seen 28 Oct 2026 · Still live on 31 Oct 2026

Senior Staff Software Development Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)

Zscaler Santa Clara, California Hybrid senior full-time

Salary

$157,500-$225,000 USD per year

Apply on Zscaler

Description

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.

We are looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane) to join our Engineering Team. This is a Hybrid (San Jose, CA 3 days a week in office) role, reporting to the Senior Director, Software Development Engineering. The Senior Staff Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane) 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.

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

  • Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving
  • 8+ 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, with the ability to apply them to improve engineering productivity and delivery quality
  • 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!

Skills

Required

Nice to have

  • AI-assisted software development tools
  • Advanced knowledge of networking protocols

Ready to apply?

You apply with the employer directly. Their original posting is here: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zscaler/jobs/5216928007

Apply on Zscaler