Director, AI Strategy (Engineering Operations) at Zscaler

Bellevue, Washington, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Cybersecurity, TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

10+ years of experience in software engineering, AI/ML infrastructure, platform engineering, or engineering productivity
Bachelor’s 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
Master’s degree, MBA, or advanced certifications in AI/ML/MLOps (preferred)
Background in management or technology consulting, driving engineering or AI transformation programs (preferred)
Experience leading org-wide enablement, VOC programs, and change management for engineering tools or workflow adoption (preferred)

Responsibilities

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 programs—managing intake, prioritization, business-case development, and delivery—while 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

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

AI StrategyAI PlatformsEngineering OperationsCloud SecurityZero TrustLeadershipAI Adoption

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this role remote or hybrid, and where is it located?

This role is hybrid and based in our San Jose, CA or Bellevue, WA office three days a week.

What is the salary range for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key responsibilities for this Director, AI Strategy role?

Responsibilities include owning the centralized AI strategy, roadmap, and governance for R&D; leading a team of AI/ML developers, analysts, and program managers; architecting the core AI platform layer; running cross-functional AI programs; and driving AI adoption across engineering teams.

What is the company culture like at Zscaler?

Zscaler builds a culture of execution centered on customer obsession, collaboration, ownership, and accountability, valuing high-impact, high-accountability with a sense of urgency, transparency, constructive debate, and high-performing teams.

What experience makes a strong candidate for this role?

Zscaler is looking for an experienced Director with expertise in AI strategy, leading AI/ML teams, architecting AI platforms, and driving cross-functional programs to accelerate AI adoption across R&D.

Zscaler

Cloud-based cybersecurity and secure gateway services

About Zscaler

Zscaler provides cloud-based information security services, focusing on internet, web, and cloud security. Its platform functions as a secure gateway that inspects all internet traffic between users and applications, ensuring that threats are identified and stopped before they can access a client's network. This service is offered through a subscription model, allowing large enterprises and government organizations to select the level of security that meets their needs. Zscaler differentiates itself from competitors by offering a strong partner program that enhances market reach and provides partners with training and resources. The company's goal is to support secure digital transformation for its clients by delivering reliable security solutions.

San Jose, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2008Year Founded

$148.8MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Enterprise Software, CybersecurityIndustries

5,001-10,000Employees

Benefits

Comprehensive health plans

Supportive parental & family leave

On-demand learning & development

Company-sponsored volunteering

Global tuition assistance program

Guilt-free paid time off

Risks

Emerging cybersecurity firms may erode Zscaler's market share.

Economic downturns could impact Zscaler's subscription-based revenue model.

The retirement of CFO Mr. Canessa may lead to financial instability.

Differentiation

Zscaler offers a 100% cloud-based security platform, eliminating on-premise hardware needs.

The company is a Gartner magic quadrant leader for secure web gateways.

Zscaler's platform inspects all internet traffic, ensuring threats are neutralized pre-network.

Upsides

Zscaler's FY/25 guidance was revised upward, indicating strong financial performance.

The partnership with Bharti Airtel enhances Zscaler's zero-trust architecture offerings.

Zscaler's hiring of government experts strengthens its position in the public sector.

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