Principal Backend Engineer (Analytics)

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 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges 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.

We are looking for a Principal Backend Engineer to join our Analytics team based in Israel. This role reports to the Manager, Software Engineering. Avalor curates and contextualizes data from hundreds of security and business tools to help companies understand and address their riskiest problems. You will leverage and evolve our robust data platform and security modules to provide immediate benefits to customers while making the world a more secure place.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services within a cutting-edge microservices architecture using Scala and Java/Spring Boot
• Optimize performance, cost, and reliability of services in production while ensuring efficient data management across stores like Snowflake, Trino, and Apache Iceberg
• Drive innovation in semantic layers, query optimizations, and analytics capabilities to refine and expand our technology stack
• Operate seamlessly across product, UX, and frontend teams to deliver high-scale features from inception to production
• Mentor junior engineers and elevate the team’s technical capabilities through high-accountability partnership

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You are a problem-solver. You understand how breaking down a large challenge looks like, and know how to draw a way to the desired goal.
• You love running towards complex challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
• You are a learner. You have a true growth mindset and are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate.
• You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action. You operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
• You're a high-trust collaborator who's ambitious for the team, not just yourself. As part of a core infrastructure team that serves nearly the entire R&D org, you look for ways to maximize your impact — knowing that the best individual work is the kind that makes everyone around you more effective.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving
• 8+ years of proven experience in backend development with a focus on building robust, tech-driven data-intensive solutions
• Experience designing and developing microservices architecture using tools such as AWS, Kubernetes, Queues, various Databases and Tilt
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
• A self-driven approach to exploring new technologies and driving innovation

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

B.Sc. in Computer Science or a related fieldExpertise in query optimization, data analytics, and building semantic layersExpertise in performance optimizations in a data-intensive environment

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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.

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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.