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 are looking for a Staff Threat Researcher to join our team. This is a Hybrid role, reporting to the Senior Manager, Threat Research in the Threatlabz department. As a key contributor to our threat research initiatives, you will lead the charge in identifying vulnerabilities and analyzing sophisticated malware within the Apple ecosystem. Your expertise in macOS and iOS system internals will drive the development of advanced detection strategies and strengthen our overall product defenses.
What you’ll do (Role Expectations)
Perform static and dynamic analysis of macOS and iOS applications, firmware, and system internals to identify vulnerabilities and malicious functionality
Reverse-engineer malware samples to decipher behavior, capabilities, and attack vectors while contributing to prevention strategies
Research and maintain deep expertise in macOS security features, XNU kernel updates, and frameworks such as Endpoint Security and Network Extensions
Develop custom tools and scripts to automate reverse engineering, binary analysis, and malware-related processing tasks
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Partner with engineering, QA, and threat intelligence teams to integrate new security features and harden product defenses
Who You Are (Success Profile)
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, leveraging dynamic range to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution while operating with unyielding integrity.
You are a tenacious problem-solver who runs toward challenges, knowing that finding solutions to hard problems delivers the biggest impact.
You are a high-trust collaborator who embraces our challenge culture by giving and receiving candid, respectful feedback to earn trust and elevate the entire team.
You possess a true growth mindset, actively seeking feedback to continuously develop yourself, become a stronger teammate, and drive your work with purpose.
What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving
Proficiency in system-level languages including C, C++, Objective-C, Swift and deep knowledge of macOS architecture, Mach-O binary formats, and security mechanisms like SIP, TCC, and Gatekeeper
Extensive hands-on experience with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, Frida, and Wireshark
Strong scripting skills, particularly in Python, for automating complex analysis and research tasks
Proven ability to decompile, disassemble, and de-obfuscate closed-source binaries to reconstruct logic without source code access
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
Experience with Windows or Linux platforms for comparative threat analysis
Prior professional track record in specialized malware analysis or vulnerability research
Thorough understanding of network protocols and system-level communication mechanisms
LI-Hybrid
LI-RG
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 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.
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