Lead Security Researcher, Threat Detection & AI

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks invites a Principal Security Researcher to lead threat detection initiatives within the ATP team. You will shape detection strategies, own project areas, and contribute hands-on to vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and production protections.

You will guide researchers, influence cross-functional decisions, and drive innovations in detection coverage, quality, and scalability across enterprise networks.

Qualifications

• Hands-on vulnerability research and exploit analysis.
• Experience translating research into production IPS/IDS detections.
• Strong understanding of network protocols and attack patterns.
• Ability to lead complex technical work under ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive ATP detection strategy with measurable impact.
• Lead multiple projects and provide technical direction to researchers.
• Contribute to vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and production detections.
• Collaborate with product, QA, engineering, and research partners.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and developers.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Exploit analysis

IPS/IDS detection

Threat prevention

Network protocols familiarity

Programming/scripting

AI/ML security

Communication

Leadership

Security research leadership

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity

Tools

Python

C/C++

Detection tooling

Job description

Palo Alto Networks invites a Principal Security Researcher to lead threat detection initiatives within the ATP team. You will shape detection strategies, own project areas, and contribute hands-on to vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and production protections.

You will guide researchers, influence cross-functional decisions, and drive innovations in detection coverage, quality, and scalability across enterprise networks.