Senior Threat Researcher

Palo Alto Networks; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a threat intelligence professional for the Unit 42 NATSEC team. You will be embedded with a globally distributed team, tracking cyber criminals, ransomware groups, and threats within customer environments.

You will provide timely intelligence, leverage diverse data sets, and collaborate with engineers to improve detection across our security ecosystem. Top Secret clearance and advanced CS degrees are preferred.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Clearance required.
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or 8+ years of experience as a cleared cyber threat intelligence analyst.
• Working knowledge of BigQuery.
• Proficiency in Python, C, and/or C++.
• Familiar with common malware families and research techniques.
• Familiar with MITRE ATT&CK for enterprise/intrusion techniques.
• Strong knowledge of cyber threat actors, their tactics and tooling.
• Experience with data sets like netflow, passive DNS, and malware telemetry.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and actionable intelligence to support customer intelligence requirements.
• Leverage global datasets to track malicious cyber actors, their infrastructure and campaigns.
• Collaborate with a global team of threat intelligence analysts to analyze and develop coverage for emerging threats.
• Develop tactical hunting and strategic threat assessments for customer needs.
• Communicate with product engineering teams to improve detection in Palo Alto Networks products.

Skills

Top Secret Clearance

BigQuery

Python

C

C++

Malware analysis

MITRE ATT&CK

Threat intelligence

Data analysis

Cybersecurity

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science/Computer Engineering

8+ years as a cleared cyber threat intelligence analyst

Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

Your Career

As a member of the Unit 42, National Security Team (NATSEC) team, you will be working closely with a globally distributed team of researchers and threat intelligence analysts. You will be embedded into a customer environment where you will track cyber criminals, ransomware groups, and advanced persistent threats in support of sensitive customer intelligence requirements.

Your Impact

• Provide timely and actionable intelligence to support customer intelligence requirements.
• Leverage global datasets (netflow, malware, passive DNS, etc) to track malicious cyber actors, their infrastructure and campaigns
• Collaborate with a global team of threat intelligence analysts to analyze and develop coverage for emerging threats.
• Develop tactical hunting and strategic threat assessments in support of customer needs.
• Communicate with product engineering teams to improve detection efficacy in our ecosystem of products.

Qualifications

Your Experience

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or 8+ years of experience as a cleared cyber threat intelligence analyst
• Working knowledge of BigQuery
• Proficiency in Python, C, and/or C++
• Familiar common malware families and research techniques.
• Familiar with common tactics, techniques, and procedures used by cyber threat actors to conduct network reconnaissance and intrusions, including knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix for enterprise and individual techniques.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security threat actors, particularly their tactics, techniques, procedures, tooling, and noteworthy attacks
• Experience leveraging netflow, passive DNS, IP registration, malware telemetry, and other data sets to form comprehensive threat assessments
• Experience working with information security teams such as fusion centers, security operations centers, vulnerability threat management, security incident management, threat hunting, and data analytics
• Excellent time management, often working under tight deadlines with multiple assignments
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable with creating and delivering presentations in a range of environments, from industry conferences to customer briefings.

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.