Staff Threat Researcher

Role

We are looking for a Staff Backend Developer to join our Threat Intelligence team. This is a remote role based anywhere in the UK, reporting to the Sr. Director, Threat Intelligence in the Threat Intelligence department. In this critical role, you will design, implement, and maintain high-performance backend systems. You will collaborate closely with our malware reverse engineering team to build a sophisticated platform that enhances Zscaler’s core threat detection capabilities.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Build scalable data pipelines and design systems that ingest, process, and index large volumes of documents and data.
• Take the lead on improving development best practices across the team, championing standards for code reviews, testing, observability, and documentation.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks to ensure the overall efficiency and reliability of the applications.
• Develop robust, reliable backend APIs and services by creating, testing, and measuring backend workflows.

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 are a problem-solver. You seek out challenges because you are energized by finding solutions, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
• You are a positive force. You approach hard problems with constructive energy and a 'can-do' spirit that is contagious, inspiring your team to stay focused on the solution.
• You are a pragmatic builder. You are obsessed with creating, iterating, and shipping. You aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves and build the first version yourself, balancing the drive for technical excellence with the need to deliver value to users quickly.
• You lead with integrity. You do the right thing, even when it’s hard. You hold yourself and others to a high standard of accountability and build trust by matching your words with consistent, transparent action.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Foundational understanding of AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain.
• 7+ years of experience as a backend developer or in a similar professional role.
• Proficiency in Python, PostgreSQL, Redis, and distributed task queue systems.
• Strong understanding of backend databases, data storage, and RESTful API design and development.
• Expertise in relational database design, implementation, SQL query optimization, and reporting.

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and LLM workflows to automate backend data processing and enhance threat detection systems.
• Prior experience building engineering solutions for malware automation and threat detection.
• Expertise in Django internals, containerization with Kubernetes, and full-text search engines like Elasticsearch, Meilisearch, or Typesense.

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