Principal Security Researcher (Malware Research - Anti-Virus Systems)

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

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Security Researcher (Antivirus Systems) to advance the automated signature generation and delivery platform powering WildFire. You’ll contribute to real-time research and feature development with a top-tier security team.

You will lead investigations into new formats, malware detection innovations, and publish findings while collaborating across distributed cloud environments and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or equivalent military experience.
• 6 to 8+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with Python/Golang programming language.
• Strong core Computer Engineering skills such as databases, operating systems, algorithms.
• Working knowledge and interest in learning common file formats (PE, Office, PDF etc).
• Experience with reverse engineering and malware analysis.
• Understanding of networking and core Internet protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP).
• Experience with a data pipeline based system with several moving components in a distributed cloud environment.
• Experience with developing in a public cloud environment such as GCP, AWS.
• Troubleshooting and virtualization experience in Linux.
• Strong problem solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge/experience with tools such as Docker, Elastic-Search, Kafka, RabbitMQ, MySQL, SQLite, Redis is a big plus.
• Experience in implementing security solutions using AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop new features for the automated anti-virus signature generation and delivery system.
• Research and implement signature algorithms for new file formats.
• Research and develop novel security and malware detection features.
• Research on and publish about innovations & emerging security trends.

Skills

Python

Golang

Databases

Operating Systems

Algorithms

File formats

Reverse Engineering

Malware Analysis

Networking

Data Pipelines

GCP

AWS

Linux

Virtualization

Teamwork

AI Security

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Docker

Elasticsearch

Kafka

RabbitMQ

MySQL

SQLite

Redis

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

Your Career

As a Principal Security Researcher (Antivirus Systems), we are looking for an experienced, motivated, intelligent, hardworking and creative individual to join our team that develops the content to power the Palo Alto Networks’ Next Generation Firewall. You will work with the best security team in the industry, who invented the well-known cloud-based security platform WildFire. You will be responsible for a highly automated, 24/7 anti-virus signature generation and delivery system. You will have a deep understanding of the signature generation logic as well as create new security detection features.

Your Impact

• Develop new features for the automated anti-virus signature generation and delivery system
• Research and implement signature algorithms for new file formats
• Research and develop novel security and malware detection features
• Research on and publish about innovations & emerging security trends

Qualifications

Your Experience

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or equivalent military experience required
• 6 to 8+ years of relevant experience preferred
• Experience with Python/Golang programming language
• Strong core Computer Engineering skills such as databases, operating systems, algorithms
• Working knowledge and interest in learning common file formats (PE, Office, PDF etc)
• Experience with reverse engineering and malware analysis
• Understanding of networking and core Internet protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP)
• Experience with a data pipeline based system with several moving components in a distributed cloud environment
• Experience with developing in a public cloud environment such as GCP, AWS
• Troubleshooting and virtualization experience in Linux
• Strong problem solving abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Knowledge/experience with tools such as Docker, Elastic-Search, Kafka, RabbitMQ, MySQL, SQLite, Redis is a big plus
• Experience in implementing security solutions using AI

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.

$172,100.00 - $278,300.00/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