Principal Security Architect (SF Bay Area only)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Security Architect for Cortex to drive our cloud security strategy and build intelligent remediation engines at scale.

You will own multiple phases of product development, from definition to testing, and partner with product management, engineering, and research to tackle complex cloud‑fed security challenges. You should bring 8+ years in securing cloud‑native architectures, strong IaC and CNAPP experience, and hands‑on Python, with excellent

Qualifications

• 8+ years securing complex cloud-native architectures in enterprise environments.
• Extensive IaC experience with Terraform or Ansible, focused on security.
• Experience with CNAPP Platforms.
• Experience reviewing, governing, or supporting network access management in enterprises.
• Strong understanding of Cloud IAM principles.
• Coding proficiency, preferably Python.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect remediation for cloud security issues for all major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI, AliCloud).
• Develop in-product agents, playbooks and automations to accelerate detection and response to real-time threats.
• Own all phases of the product development cycle, from definition and design to implementation and testing.
• Collaborate with multiple teams across product management, engineering, and research.

Skills

Cloud security expertise

CNAPP Platforms experience

IAM concepts

Python programming

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

SOAR platforms

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

As a Principal Security Architect for Cortex, you will serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) driving our cloud security strategy. This is a unique opportunity to directly influence the future of cloud defense. You will build intelligent, automated remediation engines that empower thousands of customers to secure their cloud environments at scale. We are looking for a practitioner who combines deep hands‑on expertise with a pragmatic approach to solving complex security challenges.

• Architect remediation for cloud security issues for all major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI, AliCloud), replacing manual and time consuming processes.
• Develop in‑product specialized agents, playbooks and automations to accelerate detection and respond to real‑time threats, prioritize and mitigate risks. Leverage industry standard best practices and establish guardrails.
• Own all phases of the product development cycle, from definition and design to implementation and testing.
• Collaborate with multiple teams across product management, engineering, and research.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands‑on experience in securing complex cloud‑native architectures in enterprise organizations.
• Extensive experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Ansible with a focus on security.
• Demonstrated experience working with CNAPP Platforms.
• Experience reviewing, governing, or supporting network access management within enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of Cloud Identity and Access Management principles.
• Coding proficiency, preferably Python.
• Problem solver with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills,

Nice to have

• Experience with Cortex Cloud.
• Experience with Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms.
• Relevant security certifications such as AWS Security Engineer, GCP Security Engineer or Azure Security Engineer is a plus.

Compensation Disclosure

A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$162,700.00 - $263,175.00/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