Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)

Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)San Jose, California, USAZscaler 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 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges 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.RoleWe are looking for a Principal 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 Principal 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. By leveraging deep C programming expertise and autonomous ownership, they will drive complex architectural projects from initial concept to large-scale deployment.What You'll Do (Role Expectations)Design and implement Datapath features related to Load Balancer, Firewall rules and L7 Protocol implementationsApply deep knowledge of C programming, data structures, and algorithms to build high-performance systemsIndependently drive moderately complex projects from conception to deployment with full ownershipUtilize expert knowledge of networking protocols and services including DNS, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLSLeverage Unix or Linux operating systems knowledge to optimize networking and security applicationsWho You Are (Success Profile)You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action. You operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. You adapt to what's needed, navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, not just yourself. You embrace our challenge culture by giving and receiving ongoing feedback—knowing that candor delivered with clarity and respect is the truest form of teamwork and the fastest way to earn trust.You are customer-obsessed. You build deep empathy for the customer—both internal and external—and anchor your decisions in solving their real-world problems. You champion their needs from start to finish, knowing their success is our success.You operate with urgency. You understand that in a high-growth environment, speed and quality are not mutually exclusive. You have a relentless focus on execution and a bias for action, delivering high-impact results quickly to win for the customer and the team.You think at scale. You connect your day-to-day work to the larger company mission and think globally. You build solutions, processes, and teams that are not just effective today but are built to last and support a high-growth, global organization.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-solving12+ 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 algorithmsWorking experience in Linux, Unix, or similar operating systemsBS or MS degree in CS/CE or equivalent experienceWhat Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)Exposure to AI-assisted software development tools and workflows, with the ability to apply them to improve engineering productivity and delivery qualityAdvanced knowledge of networking protocols and services, specifically DNS, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLS