Staff Software Development Engineer (Backend - Java/API)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Staff Software Development Engineer to join our core API team. Reporting to the Manager, Software Development Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in driving high-performance API design, building robust microservices, and shaping our long-term system architecture.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex back-end architectures and front-end interface requirements, delivering scalable, secure, and reliable systems that power our core platform.

High-Impact API Development: Design and develop high-quality, performant, scalable, reusable, extensible, secure, and reliable APIs

Microservices & Integration: Write microservices, extend in-house APIs, and develop client-side code that interacts seamlessly with internal and external APIs (RESTful services and SDKs)

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with front-end engineering teams to understand user requirements and build robust endpoints that power intuitive, high-performing interfaces

DevOps Culture & Practice: Champion a DevOps mindset by actively working on continuous integration, infrastructure provisioning, automated deployment, testing, and version control

Architectural Leadership: Drive strategic technical contributions, including system design, architectural governance, and guiding the long-term technical roadmap

Driven by Innovation: You have a deep curiosity for how things work and are energized by solving complex technical challenges. You believe in technology's power to accelerate transformation and continuously seek modern, scalable ways to build systems

Think at Scale: You connect your day-to-day work to the broader business mission, designing solutions, processes, and architectures that are built to last and support high-growth global platforms

A Problem-Solver: You seek out challenges and derive energy from finding solutions, knowing that solving hard technical problems yields the greatest impact

A High-Trust Collaborator: You thrive in a culture of candid feedback, exchanging ideas with clarity and respect to build deep trust across cross-functional engineering teams

Data-Driven: You leverage metrics and data to evaluate system performance, validate technical decisions, and replace assumptions with evidence

5+ years of hands-on software application development experience building production-grade software

Core Backend Expertise: Strong hands-on experience with Java, Spring Boot, Spring Framework, or Quarkus Framework

Distributed Systems: Proven expertise in building distributed, cloud-native applications focused on high availability, scalability, and reliability

Cloud & Containerization: Deep experience with containerized deployments (Docker / Kubernetes) hosted on cloud platforms such as AWS or GCP

Agile Autonomy: Proven ability to adapt quickly and work independently within a fast-paced Agile environment with minimal supervision

AI Curiosity: Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a history of integrating new technologies to streamline workflows and augment problem-solving

Polyglot Mindset: Comfort and flexibility in switching between languages (such as Java, Go, Python, or C++) based on project requirements

Advanced DevOps & CI/CD: Hands-on experience designing and writing complex GitLab CI/CD pipelines and automated release workflows

Container Orchestration: Deep knowledge of container infrastructure management and advanced Kubernetes orchestration techniques

#LI-SK3

#LI-HYBRID

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.