Principal Consultant, Offensive Security, Proactive Services (Unit 42)

Jobs Paloaltonetworks; Burbank (CA); Remote; USD 151,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Principal Consultant to lead offensive security engagements for a diverse client portfolio. You will leverage advanced tools and methodologies to advocate cybersecurity best practices and deliver actionable guidance.

This role involves guiding client engagements, reporting findings to technical and executive audiences, and strengthening defenses against sophisticated threats across networks, apps, and cloud environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years in information security focusing on penetration testing and vulnerabilities.
• Expertise with security assessment tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite Pro, Cobalt Strike, Nessus, BloodHound.
• Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, Ruby, or C++.
• Experience testing Windows, Linux, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests (network, web app, cloud, mobile).
• Develop custom scripts, tools, and methodologies for engagements.
• Lead client engagements, articulating approaches to technical and executive audiences.
• Generate detailed reports with risks and remediation recommendations.
• Perform cyber risk assessments using NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS Top 20.
• Conduct threat hunting and IoC assessments in client environments.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to align security objectives.
• Assist in scoping new opportunities and building offensive security capabilities.

Skills

Penetration testing

Vulnerability assessments

Security assessment tools

Scripting / programming

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite Pro

Cobalt Strike

Nessus

BloodHound

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.

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!

This role is remote, but distance is no barrier to impact. Our hybrid teams collaborate across geographies to solve big problems, stay close to our customers, and grow together. You will be part of a culture that values trust, accountability, and shared success where your work truly matters.

Job Summary

As a Principal Consultant on the Offensive Security team, you will be a key leader in assessing and challenging the security posture of a diverse client portfolio. You will leverage a variety of advanced tools and methodologies to act as the client’s advocate for cybersecurity best practices. This role is critical in providing strong, actionable recommendations to enhance our clients’ defenses against sophisticated threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests (network, web application, cloud, mobile) to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.
• Develop custom scripts, tools, and methodologies to automate and enhance offensive security engagements and internal processes.
• Lead client engagements, clearly articulating testing approaches and methodologies to both technical and executive audiences.
• Generate detailed reports that communicate test results, identified risks, and concrete remediation recommendations to clients.
• Perform cyber risk assessments using industry frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CIS Top 20.
• Conduct threat hunting and compromise assessment engagements to identify active or dormant indicators of compromise (IoCs) in client environments.
• Proactively collaborate with internal teams and clients, exchanging information to ensure alignment and accomplish shared security objectives.
• Assist in scoping new opportunities and developing internal infrastructure for offensive security research and development.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years of professional experience in information security, with a focus on penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
• Expertise with security assessment tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite Pro, Cobalt Strike, Nessus, and Bloodhound.
• Proficiency in scripting or programming with languages like Python, PowerShell, Ruby, or C++.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting penetration tests across various environments including Windows, Linux, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or mentoring junior consultants on security engagements.
• Certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, GPEN, GWAPT, or GXPN.
• Experience with public speaking, publishing research, or contributing to the security community.
• Knowledge of computer forensic tools, technologies, and incident response methods.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com‑missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$151,000.00 - $208,000.00/yr

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.