Director, AI Strategy (Engineering Operations) at Zscaler

About ZscalerZscaler accelerates digital transformation so our customers can be more agile efficient resilient and secure. Our cloud native Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of 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 believe in transparency and value constructive honest debatewere 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 youre enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If youre 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 and help shape the future of cybersecurity.Our Engineering team built the worlds largest cloud security platform from the ground up and we keep building. With more than 100 patents and big plans for enhancing services and increasing our global footprint the team has made us and our multitenant architecture todays cloud security leader with more than 15 million users in 185 countries. Bring your vision and passion to our team of cloud architects software engineers security experts and more who are enabling organizations worldwide to harness speed and agility with a cloud-first strategy.Were looking for an experienced Director AI Strategy to join our Engineering Operations team. This role is hybrid and based in our San Jose CA or Bellevue WA office three days a week. Reporting to the Director of Engineering Operations you will lead the AI strategy platforms and programs that enable and accelerate AI adoption and measurable impact across the entire R&D your role you will be responsible forOwning 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 modelLeading a team of AI/ML developers analysts and program managers to deliver scalable AI solutions that improve engineering velocity quality and productivityArchitecting and operating the core AI platform layer including MCP servers agent frameworks retrieval pipelines model access patterns telemetry and impact measurementRunning cross-functional AI programsmanaging intake prioritization business-case development and deliverywhile partnering with DevSecOps SDLC Architecture and Product to embed AI into engineering workflowsDriving real measurable AI adoption across engineering teams by leading Voice-of-the-Customer programs and change-management initiativesWhat Were Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)10 years of experience in software engineering AI/ML infrastructure platform engineering or engineering productivityBachelors degree in Computer Science or related technical fieldExpertise in AI architecture MCP server patterns agent orchestration retrieval systems and LLM-enabled workflow designHands-on experience with GitLab/GitLab Duo Gemini Code Assist Windsurf Cursor or comparable AI-enhanced development toolingDemonstrated success leading cross-functional engineering programs and shipping scalable measurable AI capabilitiesWhat Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)Masters degree MBA or advanced certifications in AI/ML/MLOpsBackground in management or technology consulting driving engineering or AI transformation programsExperience leading org-wide enablement VOC programs and change management for engineering tools or workflow adoption#LI-Hybrid#LI-KM9Zscalers salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations and could be higher or lower based on a multitude of factors including job-related skills experience and relevant education or training.The base salary range listed for this full-time position excludes commission/ bonus/ equity (if applicable) benefits.Base Pay Range$206500 - $295000 USDAt 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 plansTime off plans for vacation and sick timeParental leave optionsRetirement optionsEducation reimbursementIn-office perks and more!Learn more about Zscalers 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 TransparencyZscaler 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.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Business Development,Marketing,Pricing,Analysis Skills,Research Experience,Project Management,Research & Development,Strategic Planning,Financial Modeling,Leadership Experience,Management Consulting,Analytics Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 206500 - 295000