PitchMeAI Jobs
Zscaler

Principal Software Engineer (C / Networking / Dataplane)

Zscaler · San Jose, California, USA

Posted about a month ago

or apply directly on Zscaler's site. We never take the application ourselves.

Is this posting real?

This role has been open
37 days
Zscaler's roles stay open a median of 64 days
Reposted
No
Salary listed
No
0% of Zscaler's roles list one
Ghost-job risk at Zscaler
high
299 stale, 19 reposted of 370 open
Hiring momentum
564 roles opened in the last 90 days
↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
Last confirmed on the employer's board
2026-10-11

Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from Zscaler's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for Zscaler.

About this role

The Principal Software Engineer will design and implement high-performance data path features for load balancing and L7 protocols, enhancing the scalability and security of the global networking infrastructure. This role requires deep expertise in C programming and networking protocols, with responsibilities that include driving complex architectural projects from conception to deployment. The position is hybrid, requiring three days a week in the San Jose office.

Our read on this posting3.0out of 5
benefits
3/5
freshness
4/5
career value
4/5
role clarity
4/5
pay transparency
0/5

Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of Zscaler as an employer.

What you need

  • 12+ years of experience building large-scale commercial networking and security applications
  • 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

Nice to have

  • Exposure to AI-assisted software development tools and workflows
  • Advanced knowledge of networking protocols and services, specifically DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, and SSL/TLS

What you get

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

Worth weighing

  • Hybrid work model requires in-office presence three days a week
  • No specific mention of team size or structure
  • Salary range provided but excludes commission/bonus/equity

Summarised from Zscaler's posting. Read the full original.

Listed by Zscaler on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-10-11. PitchMeAI is not the employer.

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