Principal Software Automation / Test Engineer

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 237,500; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity firm in Santa Clara is seeking a Principal SQA Engineer to join their SASE SD-WAN team. The role focuses on validating technologies and contributing to product quality. Candidates should have 8+ years in software quality assurance, strong skills in TCP/IP protocols and automation with Python. A collaborative environment and opportunities for mentorship are emphasized. The position offers competitive compensation between $147,000 and $237,500 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software quality assurance or a related engineering role.
• Strong proficiency in automation and programming using Python and REST APIs.
• Deep understanding of control plane and data plane architecture in networking devices.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful results by working within a small, fast-paced team.
• Contribute to all phases of end-to-end product and solution validation.
• Lead, mentor, and coach junior team members.

Skills

Software Quality Assurance

TCP/IP Protocols

Routing Protocols

Python

REST APIs

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

VMware ESXi

QEMU/KVM

Microsoft Hyper-V

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.

The Team

Engineering - Our engineering team is at the core of our products & our mission. We are constantly looking for new ways to solve real‑world problems, and we aren’t afraid to try new things. Our engineering team is core to our innovation and success, and you will be a part of a team that is changing the future of cybersecurity. We’re a team of builders, breakers, and problem solvers. We’re a friendly, collaborative, and incredibly talented team that is looking to expand. If you’re looking to be a part of a team that is changing the future of cybersecurity, you’ve found it.

Job Summary

As a Principal SQA Engineer on the SASE SD‑WAN team, you will leverage your expertise in core networking and security to validate groundbreaking technologies. You will join a world‑class, multi‑functional software engineering team dedicated to solving complex problems and ensuring the quality of our industry‑leading solutions. This role is pivotal in contributing to all phases of product and solution validation in a fast‑paced environment, directly impacting our ability to protect our digital way of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful results by working within a small, fast‑paced team to solve critical customer problems related to SD‑WAN technologies.
• Contribute to all phases of end‑to‑end product and solution validation, ensuring comprehensive quality assurance from design to deployment.
• Proactively collaborate and exchange information with development and QA groups to achieve the highest product quality and ensure alignment on shared objectives.
• Challenge the status quo by suggesting and implementing innovative improvements to the QA process, automation frameworks, and test methodologies.
• Partner with DevOps and Technical Support teams to efficiently troubleshoot, debug, and resolve complex customer‑reported issues.
• Lead, mentor, and coach junior team members, empowering them and fostering a culture of technical excellence and accountability.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent military experience.
• 8+ years of experience in software quality assurance or a related engineering role.
• Expertise with standard TCP/IP protocols (e.g., ARP, IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, IPSec VPNs).
• Demonstrated expertise in testing enterprise routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• Strong proficiency in automation and programming using Python and REST APIs.
• Deep understanding of control plane and data plane architecture in networking devices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with networking features like Multicast, IPv6, DNS, NAT, and DHCP.
• Experience in system and scale testing, simulating large enterprise network environments.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware ESXi, QEMU/KVM, or Microsoft Hyper‑V.
• Experience with performance characterization and analysis of networking products.

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