Principal 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 acr...

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 ...

We are looking for a Principal Threat Researcher to join our team. This is a remote role, reporting to the Manager Threat Research in the Threat Research Team. As our Principal Threat Researcher, you will serve as the definitive subject matter expert on adversary behavior across Endpoint and Cloud environments. You ...

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

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

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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.