Principal Software Engineer ADEM (ADEM - Autonomous Digital Experience Management) - Windows

Jobs Paloaltonetworks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks' ADEM group is seeking a Principal Engineer to develop client-side software for Windows. You will join a world-class team building robust, scalable Windows agents for monitoring and enhancing digital experiences.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy high‑quality desktop applications, focusing on reliability and performance across thousands of customers, with opportunities to influence architecture and code quality.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Windows client-side software development.
• Expert in Win32 APIs, Windows Services, IPC, registry, and file systems.
• Proficient in C++, C#, or .NET for native Windows apps.
• Experience with Windows internals and WMI/ETW/COM/WFP.
• Strong multitasking, high performance, reliable code.
• Experience with CI/CD, automated testing, code signing, secure SD practices.
• Cross-platform desktop apps on Windows and macOS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own full software development lifecycle from requirements to support.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate features and infra.
• Write clean, scalable, testable code for thousands of customers.
• Participate in design and development discussions.
• Drive process improvements and new initiatives.

Skills

Windows development

C++

C#

NET

Win32 APIs

Multithreading

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or related

Tools

WinDbg

ProcMon

ETW tracing

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

Palo Alto Networks' ADEM (Autonomous Digital Experience Management) group is seeking an accomplished Principal Engineer with expertise in developing client‑side software for Windows. You will be part of a world‑class engineering team working on innovative solutions in the ADEM domain, focusing on building robust, efficient, and scalable agents for monitoring and enhancing digital experiences. You will collaborate with a multi‑functional team of engineers to design and develop software systems that address complex challenges in the ADEM space, driving performance and reliability across diverse environments.

Your Impact

• Responsible for the complete software development process including requirement analysis, design, development, deployment, and support
• Collaborate with other cross functional teams in order to create tight integrations of product features and infrastructure
• Write clean, testable, readable, scalable and maintainable code that scales and performs well for thousands of customers
• Participate actively and be a factor to design and development discussions
• Identify areas for improvement within the team and actively push for positive change through new initiatives or optimizations

Qualifications

Your Experience

• 8+ years of solid experience in programming, design, and development, with a focus on client‑side software for Windows.
• Strong expertise in Windows system‑level programming, including Win32 APIs, Windows Services, IPC, registry, file systems, and process/thread management.
• Expert‑level programming skills in C++, C#, or .NET with experience building native Windows desktop applications and endpoint agents.
• Hands‑on experience with Windows internals and platform technologies such as WMI, ETW, COM, WFP, and background service architecture.
• Experience building multithreaded, high‑performance, and resource‑efficient applications with strong focus on reliability and scalability.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, socket programming, TLS/SSL, and VPN technologies.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills using tools such as WinDbg, ProcMon, ETW tracing, crash dump analysis, and performance profiling tools.
• Experience with enterprise deployment, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, code signing, and secure software development practices for Windows applications.
• Experience building cross‑platform endpoint or desktop applications spanning Windows and macOS environments is a strong plus.
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent military experience required

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