Staff Machine Learning Engineer (Agentic AI/Gen AI)

About Zscaler

Zscaler is a pioneer and global leader in zero trust security. The world’s largest businesses, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies rely on Zscaler to secure users, branches, applications, data & devices, and to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Distributed across more than 160 data centers globally, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform combined with advanced AI combats billions of cyber threats and policy violations every day and unlocks productivity gains for modern enterprises by reducing costs and complexity.

Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. 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 champion an “AI Forward, People First” philosophy to help us accelerate and innovate, empowering our people to embrace their potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges and want to make a positive difference on a global scale, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler to help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Role 

We are looking for a seasoned Staff Machine Learning Engineer to join our Engineering team. This is a hybrid role based in Bangalore, reporting to the Manager of Machine Learning Engineering. 

You will influence technical direction, bridge the gap between research and production, and drive technical excellence across the organization. You'll lead complex projects, mentor engineers, and build the scalable models and systems that power the world’s largest cloud security platform.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Design and deploy scalable, reliable, and efficient production-grade Gen AI/ML systems from data ingestion to monitoring
• Drive innovation by researching and evaluating emerging AI/ML frameworks, rapidly prototyping novel solutions, and championing full-scale implementation
• Implement and maintain robust MLOps practices, including logging, monitoring, and CI/CD pipelines for distributed ML systems
• Lead and mentor junior engineers in system design best practices while promoting a culture of technical excellence
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex business needs into high-impact technical solutions

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 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 are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact
• You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, not just yourself. You embrace our challenge culture by giving and receiving ongoing feedback—knowing that candor delivered with clarity and respect is the truest form of teamwork and the fastest way to earn trust
• 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 love what you do and you do it with purpose

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• 5+ years of experience as an MLE with a track record of shipping complex, scalable ML systems to production
• Proven experience building Gen AI/ML systems with LLMs, including fine-tuning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and Agentic AI
• Demonstrated expertise designing and implementing distributed ML systems with deep knowledge of MLOps practices such as monitoring and logging
• Strong CS foundation in data structures, algorithms, and system design, with expertise in Python (scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow) and SQL
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate cross-functional collaboration

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Expertise with cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure) and ML platforms like Kubeflow or SageMaker
• Proficiency in systems programming languages like Go or Rust with a deep understanding of distributed systems, OS, and networking fundamentals
• A record of professional research, publications, or patents in the AI/ML space

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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 Future of Work strategy, 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.