Principal Threat Researcher

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 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 value high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency where you're enabled to do your best work and embrace your 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 and help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Avalor curates and contextualizes data from hundreds of security and business tools to help companies understand and address their riskiest problems. Our robust data platform and strong security modules provide immediate and secure benefits to our customers. If you're passionate about data and helping companies improve their security posture, we'd love to have you join Avalor as we make the world a more secure place.

We're looking for an experienced Principal Threat Researcher to join our Threat Hunting team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Threat Research, you'll be responsible for:

• Leading end-to-end research POCs: formulating hypotheses, designing methodologies, implementing experiments, analyzing results, and translating findings into production-ready capabilities and customer outcomes
• Researching and developing methodologies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats and risks across diverse data sources
• Partnering with data scientists and ML engineers to shape model features, training data strategies, and evaluation frameworks derived from real-world signals
• Providing actionable recommendations to improve data quality, policies, detections, controls, and response strategies across Zscaler's security offerings
• Presenting research findings clearly and meaningfully to technical and non-technical stakeholders; influencing roadmap decisions with evidence-based insights

What We're Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• 5+ years in security research, threat analysis, security analysis, vulnerability research, incident response, or closely related roles and strong understanding of cybersecurity principles
• Proven experience running end-to-end research POCs from idea to customer impact, including design, execution, analysis, conclusions, and clear articulation of methodologies and outcomes
• Extensive experience analyzing SQL,large datasets and telemetry across multiple security domains; ability to identify patterns and highlight threats
• Proficient, hands-on coding skills (e.g., Python or similar) for data analysis, prototyping, and automation
• Experience with cloud environments, security tools and technologies such as SIEM, XDR, SASE, CSPM, and IAM

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field; Master's degree is a plus
• Familiarity with data platforms and streaming/ETL technologies used in security analytics
• Demonstrated impact driving innovation that informs or accelerates product development

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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.