Senior Detection Engineer
Job description
About Zscaler
Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI-forward enterprise, we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world’s largest security data lake to power our cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our 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 say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. 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 be part of the team that’s helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity.
Role
We’re looking for a Senior Detection Engineer to join our team. The role will be located in Costa Rica reporting to the Senior Manager of Threat Hunting as part of the Zscaler Threat Hunting team.
Detection Engineers are responsible for advancing threat detection and hunting capabilities of our managed threat hunting service: Zscaler Threat Hunting. This role involves combining Threat Researcher and Detection Engineering skills to develop next-generation detection logic for our threat hunters, utilizing tools like Python, SQL AWS services, YAML-based detection logic, and SIGMA-like rules. The role also contributes to the scalability and maintenance of engineering projects, leveraging data platforms such as Hadoop and Athena. Finally, this position requires independently writing and updating detections and playbooks, which includes working flexible hours, such as weekend night shifts and providing on-call support.
What We're Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
- Hands-on experience developing and implementing detection rules in a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool, such as Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, or ElasticSearch
- Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK framework and experience translating TTPs into actionable detection logic
- Scripting and automation skills using Python for developing and managing detection infrastructure
- Must have excellent reporting and analytical skills and experience writing and optimizing IDS/IPS and YARA signatures
- Must be able to validate detection logic, perform root cause analysis of detection failures, and deliver recommendations for platform improvements
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. You adapt to what’s needed, navigating seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
- 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 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 never stop developing yourself, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose.
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
- Proven experience in one or more of the following - detection engineering, threat hunting, security operations, malware analysis, blue teaming, or network defence
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a four-year college or university (preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline), or equivalent security industry work experience
- Significant and demonstrable experience as a Senior Detection Engineer, leading the development of complex detection strategies and mentoring junior team members
- Experience in network-based threat detection and signature development (e.g., Snort/Suricata rules)
#LI-Remote #LI-JG1 #LI-CostaRica
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.