Principal Engineer Software, Tools & Platforms (Cortex)

Palo Alto Networks; California; Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to craft high-quality, scalable software. You’ll bridge R&D and DevOps needs, building tools that boost productivity and reliability across production systems.

You will lead design reviews, implement robust infrastructure, and contribute to documentation and tooling used across our Cortex DevOps teams. This role emphasizes hands-on coding, architecture, and collaboration in a hybrid office environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or equivalent military experience
• Proficiency with software development in one or more programming languages (Python preferred)
• Experience developing large-scale infrastructure, distributed systems or networks, or Compute/storage/hardware architecture
• Experience with major Cloud Providers
• Experience with microservices architecture with Kubernetes
• Proficiency in code health, diagnosis, and software test engineering

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement resilient infrastructure solutions with a focus on performance, security, and sound design principles
• Write product or system development code
• Lead the design and development of complex product and system features
• Initiate and lead technical design reviews with peers and stakeholders, guiding design decisions and practices
• Maintain/build resilient infrastructure focused on performance, security, and sound design practices
• Provide expert-level code reviews and feedback on style, accuracy, testability, efficiency and code quality
• Spearhead creation and improvement of technical documentation and standards
• Provide advanced operational support and lead troubleshooting for Cortex DevOps Tooling tools and applications

Skills

Python

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms

Distributed systems

Microservices

Testing & QA

Education

Graduate degree or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

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!

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

About the position

We seek a Principal Software Engineer who is first and foremost a software craftsman with a passion for building innovative tools and platforms. The ideal candidate will possess a deep-rooted background in software engineering and a strong understanding of the needs and challenges of R&D and DevOps teams. This role is for a true developer at heart, someone who excels at building high-quality, maintainable, and scalable software. If you have a passion for creating tools that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and support the operational needs of a growing infrastructure, you’re the candidate we’re looking for.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement resilient infrastructure solutions, with a strong focus on performance, security, and sound system design principles.
• Write product or system development code.
• Lead the design and development of complex product and system features.
• Initiate and lead technical design reviews with peers and stakeholders, driving decisions on best design practices and architectural patterns.
• Maintain/build resilient infrastructure focused on performance, security, and sound system design practices
• Provide expert-level code reviews, offering in-depth feedback on best practices, including style, accuracy, testability, efficiency, and overall code quality.
• Spearhead the creation and improvement of technical documentation, establishing standards and best practices.
• Provide advanced operational support and lead troubleshooting efforts for tools and applications maintained by the Cortex DevOps Tooling team.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Graduate degree or equivalent practical experience in the field of Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or equivalent military experience
• Proficiency with software development in one or more programming languages (Python preferred)
• Proficiency in developing large-scale infrastructure, distributed systems or networks, or experience with Compute technologies, storage, or hardware architecture
• Proficiency with any major Cloud Provider(s)
• Experience with developing, deploying, and/or maintaining micro-serices architecture with Kubernetes
• Proficiency in code and system health, diagnosis and resolution, and software test engineering

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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.

$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/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?: Yes