Sr. Software Development Engineer (Backend Dev – C) at Zscaler

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 200+ public data centers globally and thousands of private sites 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 Development Engineer to join our team. This is a Hybrid role, reporting to the Manager, Software Development Engineering in the Engineering department. In this position, you will serve as a core software development engineer, driving key engineering initiatives and taking ownership of designing, building, and maintaining high-performance system components.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Develop and maintain software components using the C programming language
• Implement and optimize data structures for efficient problem-solving
• Work on Linux/FreeBSD-based systems, including basic configuration and scripting
• Collaborate with senior engineers to understand, debug, and resolve system and application-level issues
• Debug code using tools like GDB to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity and feel comfortable building the path forward, viewing dynamic environments as an opportunity to construct something meaningful.
• You act like an owner with a strong bias for action and integrity, seamlessly navigating between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You are an energized problem-solver who actively seeks out complex challenges, knowing that tackling tough problems yields the highest impact.
• You are a high-trust collaborator who embraces ongoing, respectful candor and feedback to drive collective team success over individual achievement.
• You possess a dedicated growth mindset and continuously seek self-development and feedback to become a stronger partner and teammate.

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
• 3+ years experience in C programming and strong understanding of core principles
• Hands-on experience in data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, and trees) and their applications
• Familiarity with operating system concepts such as process management, threading, and memory management
• Experience with GDB or other debugging tools for troubleshooting software errors
• Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Knowledge of version control tools (Git)
• Familiarity with networking concepts and protocols
• BS/MS degree in computer science or related field

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.