Staff Software Development Engineer

About the role

You will join the Cyber Security and Data Protection Engineering department to build quality into products that secure data, applications, and mobile devices for millions of users. This role focuses on developing innovative solutions for policy enforcement, web filtering, next-generation firewalls, and CASB using real-time analytics. You will own the design and implementation of test strategies that ensure the reliability and security of these complex systems. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying risks before they impact customers or production environments. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between development logic and security validation through rigorous testing practices. Your work will directly influence the integrity of security controls deployed at scale across global enterprise environments. This is an opportunity to shape the testing culture within a high-impact cybersecurity organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and execute automated test cases to validate complex product features.
• Build and maintain scalable automation frameworks and internal tools for the software testing lifecycle.
• Lead performance, stress, and scalability testing to identify bottlenecks and propose architectural fixes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and customers to simulate real-world scenarios for validation.
• Implement cloud security measures and identify areas for continuous improvement in the development process.
• Develop and maintain test suites that cover functional, integration, and end-to-end scenarios for security products.
• Analyze system logs and telemetry data to detect anomalies and drive test coverage improvements.
• Collaborate with developers to translate security requirements into executable test scripts and validation procedures.
• Conduct root cause analysis for test failures and work with engineering teams to resolve issues quickly.
• Evaluate new testing tools and frameworks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing function.
• Ensure that all test activities align with industry standards and regulatory requirements for security and data protection.
• Support the release process by validating builds, creating release notes for test activities, and monitoring post-deployment stability.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns on best practices for test design, automation, and quality assurance in security contexts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize test environments, reduce flakiness, and increase test reliability.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) with object-oriented design and coding skills.
• Proficiency in Python and a solid understanding of Linux, operating systems, and TCP/IP.
• Experience debugging HTTP/HTTPS requests using Wireshark or Fiddler and working with network security protocols.
• Practical experience in performance testing and validating RESTful APIs within Azure or AWS environments.
• Foundational knowledge of AI/ML technologies and experience securing or positioning AI-driven solutions.
• Strong understanding of software development life cycle methodologies and how testing fits into each phase.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and security design patterns.
• Willingness to adhere to strict security policies and ensure that all testing activities comply with organizational standards.

Nice to have

• Experience developing AI-driven test automation frameworks or using machine learning for intelligent log analysis and predictive defect detection.
• Background in validating Advanced Threat Protection, Data Leak Prevention (DLP), or Malware Detection.
• Hands-on experience with mobile test automation for Android and iOS, performance benchmarking of MacOS or Windows applications, and CASB cloud applications.

Practical notes

• Benefits include health plans, vacation and sick time, parental leave, retirement options, and education reimbursement.
• Zscaler provides reasonable accommodations for candidates who are neurodivergent, differently abled, or have specific health or religious requirements.
• Applicants must adhere to all Zscaler security and privacy policies.
• This role is based in Bangalore, India, and operates under a hybrid work model requiring periodic presence in the office.
• The engagement is full-time, and candidates should be available to align with standard working hours as defined by team schedules.
• No specific deadline is provided for applications, but early submission is encouraged to ensure full consideration.
• Travel is generally not required for this role, but occasional coordination with global teams may involve minimal virtual meeting participation across time zones.
• Visa support will be handled by the local HR team for eligible candidates as per company policies and local regulations.
• Candidates are expected to participate in regular sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives as part of the agile team structure.
• All onboarding processes, including background checks and security training, must be completed before starting the role.
• This position reports directly to the Sr Manager of Engineering within the Cyber Security and Data Protection Engineering department.
• The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to internal communities of practice focused on quality and security testing.
• Professional growth will be supported through access to learning resources, conferences, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
• The work environment emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and a strong commitment to delivering secure and reliable software products.
• This role is critical to ensuring that Zscaler's security products meet the highest standards of quality and performance in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.