Staff Detection Engineer

Role

We are looking for a Staff Detection Engineer to join our Zscaler Threat Hunting team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Zscaler Threat Hunting. You will combine threat research and engineering expertise to build the next generation of detections across AWS and cloud infrastructures. By leveraging big data platforms like Hadoop and Athena, you will design scalable hunting logic and automated pipelines to defend our global footprint and enhance threat visibility.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

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  Combine threat research and engineering expertise to develop advanced detections and hunting logic using Python and AWS infrastructure



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  Design, scale, and maintain engineering projects, including GitLab pipelines and repeatable deployment steps to improve hunting efficiency



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  Develop YAML-based detections and SIGMA-like rule technologies while migrating existing hunting detections to next-generation systems



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  Utilize data platforms like Hadoop, Athena, and data lakes to monitor and test new intelligence sources for enhanced threat visibility



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  Independently write detections and playbooks while supporting operational demands, including weekend night shifts and on-call rotations

Who You Are (Success Profile)

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  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.



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  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.



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  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.



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  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.



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  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)

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  Proven experience in detection engineering, threat hunting, security operations, or malware analysis



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  Hands-on experience developing and implementing detection rules in SIEM tools such as Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, or ElasticSearch



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  Deep familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and experience translating TTPs into actionable detection logic



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  Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent security industry experience



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  Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekend night shifts, to meet global operational demands

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

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  Significant experience as a Senior Detection Engineer leading complex detection strategies and mentoring junior team members



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  Expertise in validating detection logic, performing root cause analysis of failures, and delivering platform improvement recommendations



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  Advanced scripting and automation skills in Python for developing and managing complex detection infrastructure