Principal Software Automation/Test Engineer (Prisma Access)

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Principal SQA engineer to validate core networking and security features in the SD-WAN team. You will join a world-class software engineering group tackling complex problems and delivering high-impact tests.

Office-based with three days in the office and one day remote, you will build and maintain complex networking testbeds, automate tests with Python and REST APIs, and collaborate across DevOps, QA, and development to drive quality and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in QA for networking products.
• Experience testing enterprise routing and networking features.
• Proficient in Linux-based test environments.
• Knowledge of virtualization and testbed construction.
• Familiar with Python and REST APIs for automation.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Work in a small team to solve customer problems and deliver impactful results.
• Contribute to end-to-end validation of products and solutions.
• Collaborate with development and QA groups to ensure quality.
• Suggest improvements to QA processes.
• Coordinate with DevOps and support teams to troubleshoot issues.

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

Palo Alto Networks SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) group is looking for a seasoned and accomplished Principal SQA engineer with experience in validating core networking & security features in the SD-WAN team. You will be part of a world-class software engineering team that works on various ground-breaking technologies in the SD-WAN area. You will work with a multi‑ functional team of engineers solving interesting problems.

We expect office-based employees to be in the office three days per week, with one day working from where they choose. We believe being together facilitates casual conversations and those magic moments where we can work on issues and ideas informally. These moments build capability and deepen trusted relationships and allow our people to feel safe in taking risks and being disruptive. Like so many companies, we are working through the details and things could change …. but in general if a role is deemed office-based we want our teams to be together four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Work in a small and fast paced team to solve important customer problems and deliver most impactful results

• Contribute in all phases of end to end product and solution validation

• Work with different development and quality assurances groups to achieve the best quality

• Suggest and implement improvements to the QA process

• Work with DevOps and the Technical Support teams to troubleshoot customer issues.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience, with a BS /MS degree or equivalent military experience required

• Exposure to standard TCP/IP protocols such as ARP, IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP & IPSec VPNs

• Experience in testing of enterprise routing protocols such as BGP,OSPF & EIGRP etc.

• Exposure to networking features like Multicast, IPv6, DNS, NAT & DHCP

• Exposure to Linux platform testing on x86 platform architecture, Components and tools

• Exposure to control plane and data plane architecture in networking devices

• Exposure to with performance characterization of a networking products

• Exposure to with Automation/Programming using Python and RestAPI’s

• Exposure to system/scale testing simulating large enterprise networks is a plus

• Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware ESXi, qemu/kvm, Microsoft Hyper‑V

• Be able to build and maintain complex networking testbeds

• Excellent problem-solving, debugging/troubleshooting skills

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 (https://benefits.paloaltonetworks.com/) .

$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