Zscaler Engineer / Administrator (SME Level)
Location: Pennsylvania (Remote or Hybrid) – Must reside in PA
Type: Contract (12 months, ongoing extensions expected)
Rate: $65.00/hr (W2)
Overview
We are working with a large enterprise environment seeking a Zscaler Subject Matter Expert to take ownership of their Zscaler platform (ZIA / ZPA) across engineering, administration, and optimization.
This is a hands-on role for someone who lives and breathes Zscaler—able to manage, troubleshoot, and enhance a mature environment while supporting ongoing security initiatives and user scaling.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Act as the primary SME for Zscaler (ZIA & ZPA) across the organization
- Administer and optimize Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) environments
- Manage and enforce security policies, URL filtering, SSL inspection, sandboxing, and zero trust architecture
- Support user provisioning, segmentation, and access control strategies
- Troubleshoot complex issues related to traffic forwarding, PAC files, client connectors, and authentication flows
- Integrate Zscaler with:
- Identity providers (Okta, Azure AD / Entra ID)
- Endpoint tools and MDM solutions
- Analyze logs and telemetry to identify threats, performance issues, and optimization opportunities
- Partner with network and security teams on secure access architecture and zero trust initiatives
- Assist with Zscaler upgrades, changes, and new feature implementations
- Document configurations, processes, and best practices for long-term supportability
What We’re Looking For
Must-Have Experience
- Strong hands-on experience with:
- Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA)
- Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
- Proven ability to operate as a Zscaler SME in an enterprise environment
- Deep understanding of:
- Zero Trust architecture
- Secure web gateways
- Cloud-delivered security models
- Experience with:
- SSL inspection / TLS decryption
- Traffic forwarding methods (GRE/IPSec tunnels, PAC files, Client Connector)
- Authentication (SAML, SSO, MFA)
Technical Environment
- Identity platforms: Azure AD (Entra ID), Okta
- Networking fundamentals: DNS, routing, proxies, firewalls
- Endpoint integration experience (Client Connector deployments, MDM tools)
Soft Skills / Fit
- Ability to work independently as the go-to Zscaler expert
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working across security, infrastructure, and end-user teams
Nice to Have
- Zscaler certifications (ZCCA, ZCCP, ZCSE)
- Experience in large enterprise or multi-site environments
- Background in broader cloud security or SASE platforms
Why This Role
- True SME-level ownership of Zscaler environment
- Long-term, stable contract with ongoing extensions
- High visibility across security and infrastructure teams
- Flexible remote or hybrid setup within Pennsylvania
