> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3875510-principal-software-engineer-intelligent-data-platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3875510-principal-software-engineer-intelligent-data-platform). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Software Engineer - Intelligent Data Platform

- **Company:** Zscaler, Inc.
- **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $185,500.0 - $265,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, Cloud Computing, Cloud Database, Software Quality, Data Architecture, Relational Databases, DevOps, Distributed Systems, Fault Tolerance, Data Intelligence, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Prometheus, Software Engineering, Datadog, Cloud Platform System, System Availability, Grafana, Reliability of Systems, Core Data, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Restful APIs, Docker
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/principal-software-engineer-intelligent-data-platform-zscaler-company-10528654

## About the Role

* You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action, operating with integrity, and navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
 * You are a problem-solver. You seek out complex challenges and are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
 * You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, giving and receiving ongoing candor with clarity and respect to build strong trust.
 * You operate with urgency. You deliver high-impact results quickly in a high-growth environment, balancing speed and quality to win for our customers.
 * You are resilient and adaptable. You view change as an opportunity, maintaining composure and focus in high-pressure situations to guide your team through complexity., * Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain
 * 10+ years of software engineering experience, specializing in building and managing large scale cloud-based data platforms with expertise in distributed systems and data architecture
 * Demonstrated experience driving cross-team technical programs to delivery, including owning design reviews, resolving cross-functional blockers, and producing clear architectural guidance
 * Proficiency in Java or alternatives such as Java, Go, Python, etc. with deep expertise in Rest API, RDBMS, Document Stores, Kubernetes, and Docker
 * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; advanced degrees and industry certifications are advantageous
 * Experience working with product management and cross-team stakeholders to translate requirements into execution plans

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

 * Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency
 * Experience with monitoring, tracing, and observability tooling and frameworks such as Grafana and Prometheus
 * Proficiency in test frameworks and writing test units
 * Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing engineering talent.

## Description

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer - Intelligent Data Platform to join our team. This is a hybrid role (in office, minimum 3 days per week in Santa Clara, CA), reporting to the Director, Software Development Engineering in the Cloud Data Platform team. We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer, where your deep understanding of cloud-based data platforms and proven track record in building and scaling high-performance systems will be pivotal. In this role, you will lead the development of our core data platform, shaping its design, implementation, and evolution to meet our dynamic business needs.

What You'll Do (Role Expectations)

 * Lead the design, architecture, and development of our multi-tenant, cloud-based data platform, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and implement scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions
 * Partner closely with product management and stakeholders to align long-term technical strategies with business goals, actively contributing to the product roadmap and translation of requirements into execution plans
 * Evaluate, establish, and optimize engineering processes, agile methodologies, and best practices to enhance development efficiency, delivery speed, and code quality
 * Drive engineering and operational excellence to ensure 4-9s system availability 24/7 in a full DevOps model, implementing robust solutions for system reliability, fault tolerance, automation, and rapid resolution of customer issues
 * Explore emerging and cross-provider cloud technologies to keep the platform versatile and leading-edge, while mentoring junior engineers to champion inclusive collaboration and technical excellence