Staff Software Development Engineer (Microservices)
Summary
Design and build scalable, secure microservices for Zscaler’s cloud-native Zero Trust security platform using Java/Go/Rust, Kubernetes, and event-driven architectures in San Jose, CA.
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 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.
Role
We are looking for a Staff Software Development Engineer (Microservices) to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in San Jose, CA (3 days a week in office) role, reporting to the Senior Director of Engineering in the ZIA Engineering department. You will work on the control plane for the Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) product, which has redefined how security services are delivered in the cloud. Because our platform has redefined cloud security, our underlying technology must continuously evolve to meet massive scale. We are seeking engineers experienced in designing and navigating complex distributed architectures to help us innovate and elevate our foundational tech stack.
What you’ll do (Role Expectations)
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Execute the technical roadmap to modernize enterprise platforms using API-first design and microservices architecture
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Design, develop, and deploy highly resilient, low-latency, event-driven solutions while maintaining ownership from API tiers to back-end services
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Role model a culture of quality by adhering to coding standards, performing code reviews, and championing TDD/BDD practices
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Partner with Product, DevOps, and System Architects to translate complex business needs into scalable, high-performance technical solutions
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Utilize containerization (Docker) and orchestration platforms (Kubernetes) to manage service lifecycles within hybrid or public cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP) and use AI-powered tools for advanced problem solving and engineering efficiency
Who You Are (Success Profile)
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You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it. You thrive in a dynamic environment, seeing ambiguity not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful.
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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. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
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You are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
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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.
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You are a learner. You have a true growth mindset and are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose.
What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
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Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
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5+ years of software development with experience in production-grade microservices
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Strong proficiency in Java (Spring Boot), Go, or Rust
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Expertise in distributed data patterns (CQRS, Event Sourcing) and event-driven communication (Kafka, RabbitMQ, or SQS)
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Extensive hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes within AWS, Azure, or GCP environments, alongside SQL and NoSQL database design and scaling
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
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Experience implementing AI-driven automated testing or using generative AI tools to optimize microservice code performance and code generation workflows
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Experience with Service Mesh technologies such as Istio or Linkerd
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Practical knowledge of chaos engineering and advanced performance testing tools
#LI-Hybrid #LI-KM9
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.
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.
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 18 questions · 1 written answer
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter
Short answers (6)
- Website optional
- If you selected Other please tell us how you learned about this job. optional
- Current Company
- Current Title
- LinkedIn Profile
- Home Address
Pick from a list (11)
- How did you learn about this job?
- Do you have the legal right to work in the country where you are applying to work?
- Do you require a work permit, visa or additional right to work support for the country where you are applying to work?
- Do you currently work for, or have you previously worked for Zscaler?
- Zscaler Confidential Information
- Zscaler Privacy Policy
- Have you been involved in procurement or contract award activities involving Zscaler as a government employee or official?
- Do you have experience specifically building and deploying production-grade microservices?
- Are you proficient in software development using Java (Spring Boot), Go, or Rust?
- Do you have experience with distributed data patterns (such as CQRS or Event Sourcing) and event-driven communication (such as Kafka, RabbitMQ, or SQS)?
- Do you have hands-on experience using Docker and Kubernetes within AWS, Azure, or GCP environments, alongside SQL and NoSQL database design and scaling?
Written answers (1)
- If yes, please advise what support is needed: optional