Job details

Principal Software Engineer - API Tooling & Frameworks

About Zscaler

Serving thousands of enterprise customers around the world including 40% of Fortune 500 companies, Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) was founded in 2007 with a mission to make the cloud a safe place to do business and a more enjoyable experience for enterprise users. As the operator of the world’s largest security cloud, Zscaler accelerates digital transformation so enterprises can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The pioneering, AI-powered Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform protects thousands of enterprise customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location.

Named a Best Workplace in Technology by Fortune and others, Zscaler fosters an inclusive and supportive culture that is home to some of the brightest minds in the industry. If you thrive in an environment that is fast-paced and collaborative, and you are passionate about building and innovating for the greater good, come make your next move with Zscaler.

Our Engineering team built the world's largest cloud security platform from the ground up, and we keep building. With more than 100 patents and big plans for enhancing services and increasing our global footprint, the team has made us and our multitenant architecture today's cloud security leader, with more than 15 million users in 185 countries. Bring your vision and passion to our team of cloud architects, software engineers, security experts, and more who are enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud-first strategy.

We're looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our API Team. Reporting to the Director, Software Development Engineering, you'll be responsible for:

Leading the design and implementation of advanced API tooling and frameworks for seamless UI creation and integration with Zscaler's API services.
Developing client SDKs with easy-to-use interfaces for data binding and UI component integration, utilizing modern UI frameworks and design patterns.
Improving UI and API integration by leveraging new approaches, such as generative AI, to automate and enhance UI component development.
Engaging in hands-on coding to build tools that enhance developer productivity and streamline the API development process.
Applying domain-driven design principles and mentor engineering teams on best practices, fostering collaboration with UI/UX engineers to create scalable, maintainable, and high-performance backend systems.

What We're Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

Proficiency plus 10+ years of experience in at least one programming language (Go, Java, C++, Rust, Javascript etc.)
Experience (7+ years) building frameworks and tooling for API and UI development, with a focus on enhancing developer experience and productivity.
Experience with API design standards, best practices (e.g., Swagger/OpenAPI 3.0, REST, JSON, gRPC, Protobuf), and API-first design principles.
Proficiency in modern UI design patterns (MVC, MVVP, etc.) and experience with popular front-end frameworks (React, Angular, etc.).

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

Experience developing client SDKs and tooling for data binding, UI integration, Authn/Authz, using JavaScript, TypeScript, or similar languages.
Expertise in API tooling and frameworks supporting rapid UI development, with a focus on integration, automation, and testing.
Proficiency with domain-driven design (DDD), container technologies (Kubernetes, Docker), and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).

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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.

Base Pay Range

$175,000—$250,000 USD

At Zscaler, we believe that diversity drives innovation, productivity, and success. We are looking for individuals from all backgrounds and identities to join our team and contribute to our mission to make doing business seamless and secure. We are guided by these principles as we create a representative and impactful team, and a culture where everyone belongs. For more information on our commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, visit the Corporate Responsibility page of our website.

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!

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 proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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 characteristics 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. For additional information about the federal requirements, click here.

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.

Average salary estimate

$212500 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$175000K

$250000K

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What You Should Know About Principal Software Engineer - API Tooling & Frameworks, Zscaler

Join Zscaler as a Principal Software Engineer focused on API Tooling & Frameworks in vibrant San Jose, California! At Zscaler, we’re on a mission to redefine how businesses connect securely in the cloud. As part of our elite engineering team, you'll play a key role in designing and implementing advanced API tooling that will enhance user experience and empower our extensive clientele, including 40% of Fortune 500 companies. With your 10+ years of experience in programming languages and over 7 years of building frameworks for API and UI development, you will lead efforts to develop user-friendly client SDKs that make integration a breeze. Your expertise in API design standards and modern UI patterns will simplify the developer process, allowing our engineers to maximize productivity. Plus, you’ll engage in hands-on coding, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with technologies like generative AI. Collaboration will be at the heart of your role as you work closely with UI/UX engineers and mentor teams on best practices while applying domain-driven design principles. If you are passionate about creating scalable, high-performance systems and enjoy a collaborative, fast-paced environment, then Zscaler is the perfect place for you to thrive and innovate for the greater good. Let’s redefine cloud security together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Software Engineer - API Tooling & Frameworks Role at Zscaler

What qualifications do I need for the Principal Software Engineer role at Zscaler?

To be considered for the Principal Software Engineer position at Zscaler, you should have over 10 years of experience in at least one programming language like Go, Java, or JavaScript. Additionally, you should boast a minimum of 7 years of experience focused on developing frameworks and tooling for API and UI development, showcasing your ability to enhance developer experience and productivity.