Zscaler - Principal Threat Researcher

Bellevue, Washington, USA; Remote, USA; San Jose, California, USA; Santa Clara, USA, Hybrid$172k - $172k+ Equity3w ago

In Office Principal NA Cloud Computing Software Principal Senior Researcher C++Rust Go Python AWS

Requirements

• You thrive in ambiguity, comfortably building the path forward in dynamic environments and leveraging uncertainty as raw material to create meaningful security solutions. • You act like an owner, bringing passion for the mission and seamlessly navigating between high-level threat strategy and hands-on technical execution. • You are an energized problem-solver who actively seeks out complex security challenges, knowing that tackling tough technical problems yields the greatest impact. • You are a high-trust collaborator who thrives in a challenge culture, using transparent feedback and clarity to elevate team performance and build mutual trust. • You are a continuous learner with a growth mindset who actively seeks feedback, develops new expertise, and approaches work with genuine purpose. • Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain • 12+ years of experience conducting security research with actionable outcomes • Extensive security expertise in at least one operating system alongside experience working with commercial Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) platforms • Security experience in at least one cloud service provider (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure), Cloud architectures, and Cloud-based detection platforms • Software development experience in at least one scripting language (e.g., PowerShell, Python) and one compiled/assembled language (e.g., C, C++, Rust, Go) • Experience managing code with version control systems like git/GitHub • Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency • An established record of public community engagement, such as conference talks, technical blog posts, or webinars • Prior experience developing relationships with security vendors to drive product enhancements or building attack technique automation frameworks • #LI-KM9 #LI-Remote • 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. • $171,500—$245,000 USD • 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.

Responsibilities

• Scope and continuously refine research initiatives, applying an adversarial mindset to analyze emerging attack techniques, customer impact, and detection data sources across at least one operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and major Cloud/SaaS providers like AWS, Microsoft 365, and Okta • Dive deep into the technical components and detection optics underlying specific threats to fully comprehend how adversaries control and manipulate variations of a given technique • Leverage your endpoint and cloud expertise to engineer automated attack code, write test code to validate threat coverage, and develop proofs of concept for new detections. • Collaborate across Zscaler to develop new detection methodologies and engineering recommendations, working closely with detection engineers, intelligence analysts, and threat hunters to prioritize and refine deliverables • Document and present your research findings and operational deliverables in an accessible, actionable manner to internal and external audiences, while serving as a technical mentor for more junior team members and colleagues pursuing research

Benefits

• $171,500—$245,000 USD • 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 • 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.