Director, Software Development Engineering - Networking, Security

Zscaler is seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to lead a team focused on networking and security. This hybrid role, based in San Jose, CA, requires driving a results-oriented culture, evangelizing product vision, and collaborating with Product Management to deliver roadmaps. The director will identify and improve process/product gaps, prioritizing service stability alongside innovation. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience in technical roles, strong expertise in distributed architectures, network and security platforms, and Agile cloud deployment.

Must Have

• Drive a results-oriented culture focused on execution, quality, and speed
• Evangelize the product vision internally and externally
• Collaborate closely with Product Management to develop and deliver on product roadmaps
• Recognize process and product gaps early and drive substantial improvements
• Prioritize service stability features along with innovation and platform features
• BS/MS in Computer Science or a related engineering/technical field
• 15+ years of experience in technical roles in development or enterprise services
• Strong domain expertise in distributed architectures
• Experience with high-performance network and security platforms, user authentication mechanisms, and distributed systems
• Knowledge of Agile cloud lifecycle deployment, CI/CD automation frameworks

Good to Have

• Proven track record of delivering products at startup speed
• Ability to nurture innovation and successfully mentor and coach cross-geographic teams
• Experience deploying AI inferencing systems at cloud scale, CUDA, GPU’s, VLLMs
• Executive presence with exceptional Product, People, and Process management skills

Perks & Benefits

• Various health plans
• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• Education reimbursement
• In-office perks

We're looking for an experienced Director of Engineering to join our team. Reporting to the VP of AI Engineering, this is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in our San Jose, CA office. You will be responsible for:

• Driving a results-oriented culture focused on execution, quality, and speed
• Evangelizing the product vision internally and externally, while representing the company, product, and team at all levels
• Collaborating closely with Product Management to develop and deliver on product roadmaps
• Recognizing process and product gaps early and driving substantial improvements
• Prioritizing service stability features along with innovation and platform features

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• BS/MS in Computer Science or a related engineering/technical field
• 15+ years of experience in technical roles in development or enterprise services, at large organizations or innovative startups
• Strong domain expertise in distributed architectures, including scaling both horizontally and vertically
• Experience with high-performance network and security platforms, user authentication mechanisms, and distributed systems
• Knowledge of Agile cloud lifecycle deployment, CI/CD automation frameworks

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Execution: Proven track record of delivering products at startup speed. Proven ability to nurture innovation and successfully mentor and coach cross-geographic teams
• Deploying AI inferencing systems at cloud scale, CUDA, GPU’s, VLLMs
• Executive presence with exceptional Product, People, and Process management skills

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-BH1

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

$206,500 - $295,000 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.