Staff Threat Researcher - Malware Analysis, Reverse Engineering, GenAI/ML at Zscaler

About Zscaler Zscaler is a pioneer and global leader in zero trust security. The world’s largest businesses, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies rely on Zscaler to secure users, branches, applications, data & devices, and to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Distributed across more than 160 data centers globally, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform combined with advanced AI combats billions of cyber threats and policy violations every day and unlocks productivity gains for modern enterprises by reducing costs and complexity. 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 champion an “AI Forward, People First” philosophy to help us accelerate and innovate, empowering our people to embrace their 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 to help shape the future of cybersecurity. Role We are looking for a Staff Threat Researcher to join our Threat Detection Group within ThreatLabz. This is a role, reporting to Manager, Threat Research. You will be primarily responsible for performing static and dynamic malware analysis and developing protections to secure millions of users on our global platform. This role involves conducting reputation analysis on IOCs, creating datasets for ML models, and contributing to the research of advanced threat protection modules to ensure our infrastructure meets the highest security standards. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) • Perform static and dynamic malware analysis and develop robust protections to prevent emerging threats • Conduct reputation analysis on IOCs extracted from malicious samples to enhance platform intelligence • Track the global threat landscape to identify TTPs and develop detection signatures for C2 frameworks • Validate AI/ML model output and provide direct feedback to engineering teams to enhance model efficacy • Develop automation tools to aid research projects and publish security blogs on threat analysis findings 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. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. • You are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, 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 are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose. What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications) • 5+ years of experience in the Cyber Security Research domain with a deep understanding of malware categories • Proficiency in x86 assembly and reverse engineering using tools like IDA, x64dbg, or Ollydbg • Strong understanding of Windows internals, web application security, and the TCP/IP protocol suite • Experience writing IDS/IPS and YARA signatures coupled with scripting skills in Python, Perl, or Ruby • Hands-on experience leveraging GenAI and ML models for threat research automation and intelligence synthesis What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) • Proven ability to design and implement AI-powered automation solutions that scale threat research capabilities • Technical experience understanding and working with the MCP protocol • Specialized reverse engineering skills focused on file-less threats and complex exploit techniques #LI-Hybrid #LI-PM5 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.