About Zscaler Zscaler accelerates digital transformation so our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. Our cloud native Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debateâweâre 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 value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where youâre enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If youâre 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 and help shape the future of cybersecurity.Our Engineering team built the worldâs largest cloud security platform from the ground up, and we keep building. With more than 100 patents and big plans for enhancing services and increasing our global footprint, the team has made us and our multitenant architecture today's cloud security leader, with more than 15 million users in 185 countries. Bring your vision and passion to our team of cloud architects, software engineers, security experts, and more who are enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud-first strategy. Weâre looking for an experienced Director, AI Strategy to join our Engineering Operations team. This role is hybrid and based in our San Jose, CA or Bellevue, WA office three days a week. Reporting to the Director of Engineering Operations, you will lead the AI strategy, platforms, and programs that enable and accelerate AI adoption and measurable impact across the entire R&D organization. In your role you will be responsible for
Owning the centralized AI strategy, roadmap, and governance for R&D, managing use case identification, technology stacks, vendor evaluations, build-vs-buy decisions, and the evolution of the AI operating model Leading a team of AI/ML developers, analysts, and program managers to deliver scalable AI solutions that improve engineering velocity, quality, and productivity Architecting and operating the core AI platform layer, including MCP servers, agent frameworks, retrieval pipelines, model access patterns, telemetry, and impact measurement Running cross-functional AI programsâmanaging intake, prioritization, business-case development, and deliveryâwhile partnering with DevSecOps, SDLC, Architecture, and Product to embed AI into engineering workflows Driving real, measurable AI adoption across engineering teams by leading Voice-of-the-Customer programs and change-management initiatives
What Weâre Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
10+ years of experience in software engineering, AI/ML infrastructure, platform engineering, or engineering productivity Bachelorâs degree in Computer Science, or related technical field Expertise in AI architecture, MCP server patterns, agent orchestration, retrieval systems, and LLM-enabled workflow design Hands-on experience with GitLab/GitLab Duo, Gemini Code Assist, Windsurf, Cursor, or comparable AI-enhanced development tooling Demonstrated success leading cross-functional engineering programs and shipping scalable, measurable AI capabilities
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
Masterâs degree, MBA, or advanced certifications in AI/ML/MLOps Background in management or technology consulting, driving engineering or AI transformation programs Experience leading org-wide enablement, VOC programs, and change management for engineering tools or workflow adoption
The base salary range listed for this full-time position excludes commission/ bonus/ equity (if applicable) + benefits.Base Pay Range$206,500 - $295,000 USDAt 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 Zscalerâs 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.