Sr. Staff Software Engineer (C/C++ - Tunneling)

About Zscaler

Zscaler is a pioneer and global leader in zero trust security. The world’s largest businesses, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies rely on Zscaler to secure users, branches, applications, data & devices, and to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Distributed across more than 160 data centers globally, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform combined with advanced AI combats billions of cyber threats and policy violations every day and unlocks productivity gains for modern enterprises by reducing costs and complexity.

Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate —we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high-performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession, collaboration, ownership and accountability.

We champion an “AI Forward, People First” philosophy to help us accelerate and innovate, empowering our people to embrace their potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges and want to make a positive difference on a global scale, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler to help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Role

We are looking for a Sr. Staff SWE to join our Zero Trust Exchange department. This is a Hybrid role based onsite in San Jose three days a week, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Software Development Engineering.

As a key member of the engineering team, you will implement new ZCC tunnel features and modularize existing code to drive greater stability and performance across our platform.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Implement high-impact ZCC tunnel features that enhance connectivity and security for our global user base


• Lead the modularization of existing code into libraries to improve system maintainability and architectural stability


• Integrate memory-safe Rust language components where applicable to advance our commitment to robust and secure engineering

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You act like an owner by taking full accountability for outcomes and navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.


• You are a dedicated problem-solver who is energized by complex challenges and finding solutions that deliver significant impact.


• You are customer-obsessed, anchoring every technical decision in solving real-world problems for both internal and external stakeholders.


• You are driven by innovation and a deep curiosity for how things work, always seeking more secure and scalable ways to build technology.


• You think at scale, connecting your day-to-day work to the larger mission and building solutions designed to support a high-growth, global organization.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ with experience building high-performance systems


• Strong foundational knowledge of networking protocols and infrastructure


• Proven ability to design and write secure, scalable code in a professional environment

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Professional experience developing with the Rust programming language


• Direct experience working within the VPN application domain or similar network security technologies

#LI-JM1 #LI-Hybrid

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

$154,000 - $220,000 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 Future of Work strategy, 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.