Staff Threat Researcher

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 200+ public data centers globally and thousands of private sites at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world’s hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.

Role

We are looking for a Staff Backend Developer to join our Threat Intelligence team. This is a remote role based anywhere in the UK, reporting to the Sr. Director, Threat Intelligence in the Threat Intelligence department. In this critical role, you will design, implement, and maintain high-performance backend systems. You will collaborate closely with our malware reverse engineering team to build a sophisticated platform that enhances Zscaler’s core threat detection capabilities.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Build scalable data pipelines and design systems that ingest, process, and index large volumes of documents and data.
• Take the lead on improving development best practices across the team, championing standards for code reviews, testing, observability, and documentation.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks to ensure the overall efficiency and reliability of the applications.
• Develop robust, reliable backend APIs and services by creating, testing, and measuring backend workflows.

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it. You thrive in a dynamic environment, seeing ambiguity not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful.
• You are a problem-solver. You seek out challenges because you are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
• You are a positive force. You approach hard problems with constructive energy and a 'can-do' spirit that is contagious, inspiring your team to stay focused on the solution.
• You are a pragmatic builder. You are obsessed with creating, iterating, and shipping. You aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves and build the first version yourself, balancing the drive for technical excellence with the need to deliver value to users quickly.
• You lead with integrity. You do the right thing, even when it’s hard. You hold yourself and others to a high standard of accountability and build trust by matching your words with consistent, transparent action.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain.
• 7+ years of experience as a backend developer or in a similar professional role.
• Proficiency in Python, PostgreSQL, Redis, and distributed task queue systems.
• Strong understanding of backend databases, data storage, and RESTful API design and development.
• Expertise in relational database design, implementation, SQL query optimization, and reporting.

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and LLM workflows to automate backend data processing and enhance threat detection systems.
• Prior experience building engineering solutions for malware automation and threat detection.
• Expertise in Django internals, containerization with Kubernetes, and full-text search engines like Elasticsearch, Meilisearch, or Typesense.

#LI-REMOTE #LI-MM8

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.