AI-Driven Principal Solution Architect for CPQ

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 223,000 - 306,500; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a visionary Sr. Principal Solution Architect to lead AI-driven transformation of our quote-to-cash enterprise ecosystem. You will bridge CPQ business needs with emergent AI capabilities, shaping scalable, secure architectures across multiple systems.

You will apply a first-principles mindset to embed intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning into CPQ workflows while guiding cross-functional teams toward a unified technical strategy.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, software engineering, or technical consulting, with at least 5+ years at a Principal Architect level.
• Proven understanding of CPQ business processes, product catalog modeling, and quoting workflows, plus AI optimization of the sales-to-fulfillment cycle.
• Proven track record of designing complex integrations across large-scale enterprise ecosystems (CRM to ERP to Provisioning).
• First-principles mindset to strip away assumptions and build innovative solutions.
• Executive presence with the ability to translate technical concepts for C-suite executives and drive consensus.
• Self-starter with autonomy, capable of thriving in ambiguity and driving initiatives to completion.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach and low ego.
• Experience using AI-driven coding tools or low-code environments to explore data structures and automate sales-ops workflows.

Responsibilities

• AI-infused architectural leadership: drive end-to-end technical architecture for CPQ initiatives, embedding AI/ML capabilities (dynamic pricing, intelligent guided selling, anomaly detection).
• Cross-functional alignment: partner with Finance, Provisioning, Sales Ops, and IT to align business strategy with technical execution.
• Enterprise integration: design holistic integration strategies across CRM, ERP, Billing, and Provisioning systems.
• Champion best practices: enforce design principles that prioritize security, high availability, performance, and scalability.
• Connect the dots: identify dependencies, risks, and synergies across domains and ongoing projects.
• Collaborative mentorship: guide and elevate junior architects, developers, and engineers.
• Drive AI architecture and excellence across the tech stack.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

CPQ domain & AI application

Systems thinking

First-principles mindset

Executive presence

Self-starter mentality

Team-oriented

AI-driven tooling

Tools

APIs

Event-driven architectures

Middleware

Job description

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a visionary Sr. Principal Solution Architect to lead AI-driven transformation of our quote-to-cash enterprise ecosystem. You will bridge CPQ business needs with emergent AI capabilities, shaping scalable, secure architectures across multiple systems.

You will apply a first-principles mindset to embed intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning into CPQ workflows while guiding cross-functional teams toward a unified technical strategy.