About this role
About Zscaler
Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI-forward enterprise , we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world’s largest security data lake to power our cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location.
Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate —we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high-performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession , collaboration, ownership, and accountability.
We value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where you’re enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges, and want to be part of the team that’s helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity.
Role
We are looking for a Principal, AI Research Engineer to join our AI & Data Protection team. This role is hybrid based in San Jose, CA, and reports to the EVP, AI Security and Strategic Initiatives.
Zscaler’s mission is to secure the world’s data in the age of AI. As the leader of the world’s largest security cloud, the Zero Trust Exchange, we are uniquely positioned to define how the global enterprise safely adopts, scales, and secures Artificial Intelligence. You will be the primary architect of Zscaler’s AI ecosystem, bridging the gap between our core Zero Trust platform and the rapidly evolving world of LLMs, GPU infrastructure, and AI application frameworks. This role is ideal for a technical leader who deeply understands the "AI Stack" and has a proven track record of building thriving developer and partner ecosystems at scale.
What you’ll do (Role Expectations)
• Define the AI Ecosystem Strategy by leading the vision for integrations with frontier model providers, vector database companies, and AI infrastructure leaders
• Lead the "Secure AI" roadmap by owning the lifecycle for features that enable safe use of 3rd-party LLMs and prevent data leakage
• Build a developer ecosystem by defining and launching APIs, SDKs, and integration patterns for "Zero Trust-native" applications
• Drive market leadership and cross-functional partnerships to turn complex technical integrations into high-growth go-to-market motions
Who You Are (Success Profile)
• You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you w