Principal Software Engineer (ZDX)

As a Principal Software Engineer at Zscaler, you will be tasked with architecting and building robust, scalable, and efficient distributed systems. Your focus will include creating automation-first, user-centric solutions, leveraging cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, and managing containerized applications using Kubernetes. You will also work closely with a talented team to drive technical innovation and ensure system resilience.

To excel as a Principal Software Engineer at Zscaler, candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in platform engineering with a strong focus on distributed systems. Proficiency in programming languages such as Go, Python, or Java is essential, along with hands-on experience in cloud service providers like AWS or Azure. Strong expertise in Kubernetes, networking protocols, and advanced Linux systems is also required.

A Principal Software Engineer at Zscaler should be knowledgeable about various technologies, including cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, Kubernetes and its ecosystem, as well as deep expertise in Linux-based systems. Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Pulumi, as well as experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases, is a plus.

Zscaler is recognized as one of the best workplaces in technology, thanks to its inclusive and collaborative culture. For Software Engineers, this means the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment while being part of a team that values innovation and diversity. Plus, with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, Zscaler supports its employees throughout their career journey.

A Principal Software Engineer at Zscaler plays a crucial role in implementing scalable and secure systems that are foundational to our security cloud platform. By leveraging your expertise in cloud architecture and software engineering, you directly contribute to Zscaler’s mission of making the cloud a safe place for business, ensuring that enterprises can operate securely and efficiently.

When answering, highlight specific projects where you designed or managed distributed systems. Discuss your approach to solving challenges related to scalability and reliability, and how these experiences align with Zscaler’s requirements for robust systems.

Emphasize a proactive mindset when discussing security measures you have implemented in previous roles, focusing on both design and operational approaches to secure applications deployed in the cloud.

Discuss specific tools and practices you’ve used for communication and project management, like Agile methodologies or version control systems, and give examples of successful collaborations in high-pressure situations.

Share examples of how you've implemented Kubernetes to manage containerized applications, including challenges faced and solutions applied. Be specific about tools and practices that show your deep understanding of the ecosystem.

Talk about strategies you use for building redundancy, failover mechanisms, and automated recovery processes. Provide examples of past experiences where these strategies were successfully implemented.

Mention the languages you've worked with, such as Go, Python, or Java, and explain how your skills in these languages have contributed to effective solutions in previous roles. Make sure to align your preferences with Zscaler's stack.

Choose a relevant example that showcases your problem-solving skills. Discuss the complexity of the issue, how you approached it, and the results achieved, focusing on how it relates to distributed environments.

Discuss specific IaC tools you've used, like Terraform or Pulumi, and how you've applied them to automate and manage infrastructure. If possible, cite examples where this led to improved efficiency or reliability.

Explain the sources you use to stay informed, like tech blogs, conferences, and forums. Show that you actively engage with the community and apply new knowledge to your work, which would benefit Zscaler.

Use this opportunity to express your passion for cloud security and Zscaler’s mission. Share what excites you about the role and how it aligns with your career goals, emphasizing your commitment to contributing to a secure cloud environment.