At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI security strategies and collaborate with top executives to secure enterprise AI.
- Company: Join Zscaler, a leader in cloud-native security and AI innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the AI age while shaping the future of cybersecurity.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in solutions engineering with deep AI knowledge and cybersecurity expertise.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
About the Role
The AI revolution is here, and enterprises are racing to adopt GenAI - but they cannot deploy what they cannot secure. Zscaler is seeking an experienced Principal AI Security Specialist to bridge the gap between cutting‑edge AI innovation and robust enterprise security. In this highly strategic, field‑facing role, you will combine the elite consultative strengths of a Solutions Engineer with deep expertise in LLMs, RAG architectures, and data protection. As our premier technical authority, you will partner with Fortune 500 executives and architects, serving as a trusted advisor to help them confidently unlock the power of AI without compromising their data or infrastructure. If you are a builder, an educator, and a master storyteller who thrives in a fast‑evolving market, this is your chance to lead the industry's most critical conversation.
What You’ll Do
- Architect the AI Technical Strategy: Partner with enterprise account teams to own and execute the technical sales strategy, driving complex, high‑value AI security opportunities from discovery to close.
- Deliver Compelling, High‑Impact Demos & POVs: Configure and present tailored, outcome‑driven demonstrations of Zscaler’s AI security platform that resonate with both deep‑tech practitioners and C‑level executives. When needed, take customers through successful demos and POVs to validate Zscaler’s ability to securely enable enterprise AI.
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert: Act as the field authority on modern AI patterns (such as RAG, agents, and prompt workflows), advising clients on how to prevent sensitive data exposure and unsanctioned AI usage.
- Scale the Field Motion: Collaborate with Product and Engineering to inject real‑world customer feedback into the product roadmap, while building reusable demo assets and enablement playbooks to upscale our global sales force.
- Enable Those Around You: Develop reusable demos, technical assets, competitive positioning, and enablement content to help scale Zscaler’s AI field motion while sharing best practices and training with enterprise account teams.
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 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 customer‑obsessed. You build deep empathy for the customer—both internal and external—and anchor your decisions in solving their real‑world problems.
- You are driven by innovation. You have a deep curiosity for how things work and are energized by solving complex technical challenges.
What We’re Looking For
- Deep Fluency in AI/GenAI: Strong foundational knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs), retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG), MCP (Model Context Protocol) orchestration patterns, and the inherent security risks associated with them.
- 10+ Years of Solutions Engineering Mastery: A proven track record in a customer‑facing technical role (Sales Engineering, Solutions Architecture, or Technical Advisory) navigating complex, enterprise‑level sales cycles.
- Enterprise Security Foundations: Solid grasp of cybersecurity principles, including Zero Trust architecture, data loss prevention (DLP), cloud‑native security platforms, and API integrations.
- Elite Executive Communication: Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills, with a demonstrated ability to seamlessly translate complex AI architectures into tangible business value and security outcomes.
- Collaborate and Co‑elevate: Successfully work cross‑functionally with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Product, Engineering, Marketing, and other go‑to‑market teams in a hyper‑growth, rapidly evolving market.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands‑on AI Prototyping: Interacting with LLM APIs, scripting, creating agentic automation routines, and building lightweight AI applications.
- Advanced AI Risk Expertise: Direct experience helping enterprises deploy production AI technologies while navigating data leakage, model governance, compliance frameworks, and shadow AI usage.
- Scale & Enablement Focus: A history of creating high‑impact field assets, technical workshops, and competitive positioning content that helps broader go‑to‑market teams win.
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:
- Time off plans for vacation and sick time
- Parental leave options
- Retirement options
- In‑office perks, and more!
Learn more about Zscaler's hybrid working model and benefits here.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal AI Security Specialist in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Zscaler, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Zscaler
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Zscaler. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal AI Security Specialist in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Zscaler insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Zscaler that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zscaler
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Zscaler to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Zscaler.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
