Pivoting from a DevTest Engineer to a Software Engineer

At Zscaler, we believe your next great career challenge is often found right here. Internal mobility is one of the ways we empower our people, giving our employees the opportunity to grow their career, take on greater ownership, and make a bigger impact—and you’re in the driver’s seat. We recently sat down with Gaurav S S to learn more about his successful pivot from a DevTest Engineer to a Software Development Engineer.

As a DevTest Engineer, I enjoyed my work, but I reached a point where I was eager to take on bigger challenges, expand my technical toolkit, and contribute to Zscaler in a more significant way. I didn’t want to leave because I love our culture of innovation and collaboration, and the impact we make for our customers. The focus on growth was exactly what motivated me to stay.

Finding My Next Play

I saw a clear path to move internally to a Software Development Engineer role, but I knew there were gaps to fill. My previous role was about scripting to automate test cases and identifying issues.

This new role required me to learn how to write scalable, maintainable code in Python and, more importantly, to use critical thinking to solve open-ended technical challenges. The biggest learning curve was understanding the difference between architecture and design, which is what allows me to now join cross-functional teams for high-level discussions on project strategy.

A Game-Changing Transition

This transition was a game-changer, giving me the opportunity to leverage my existing experience and knowledge in a new way to drive more innovation and impact at Zscaler.

The support I received was key—it helped me shift my mindset. I learned that the new role wasn't just about testing, but about understanding the entire architecture. Through encouragement to collaborate cross-functionally with different teams, I started to see the bigger picture. This new perspective led to me finding gaps in functionality that might have been missed before, back when the focus was just on basic testing and automation.

Embracing A Wider Scope

I immediately stepped into a wider scope of work, taking on responsibilities that required me to think both strategically and tactically. One day I'm sketching out a long-term project vision; the next I'm deep in the details, problem-solving with the team.

A great example is my work on a new architecture change. Through that project, I’m speaking with high-level engineers who are giving me insights that would not have been possible in my previous role. It’s opened me up to a new understanding of the development process—from how a feature is built to what its potential shortcomings are. This dynamic work is exactly what I was looking for.

Making An Impact

I'm now leading projects and have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers. And by collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, I’ve gained valuable exposure that goes well beyond my technical skills, rapidly developing my abilities in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. 

I’m grateful for Zscaler’s commitment to letting us drive our careers. It proves that if you’re ready to own the outcome, there are so many opportunities to make your impact.

Inspired to join our team? Explore our open roles on the Zscaler Careers page: https://www.zscaler.com/careers