Principal Software Engineer (Backend Engineering)

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Principal Backend Engineer, where you will lead innovative projects in cloud security. Your expertise will shape the core backend infrastructure of a cutting-edge cloud platform, directly impacting the security of customers' environments. Collaborate with diverse teams, drive projects from concept to execution, and mentor fellow engineers in a dynamic environment. This role offers the chance to work with advanced technologies and contribute to a mission of protecting the digital way of life. If you're passionate about solving complex problems and making a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account

Mental health resources

Financial health resources

Personalized learning opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years in software engineering, especially in cloud-native application development.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Go, or Java.
• Experience with distributed systems architecture and design.

Responsibilities

• Drive projects from requirements to design and implementation as project lead.
• Design, build, and optimize data models and queries for speed and scale.
• Mentor engineers across the department.

Skills

Python

Go

Java

Distributed Systems Architecture

Cloud Development

Troubleshooting Skills

Collaboration Skills

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

BSc in Computer Science

MS in Engineering

Tools

MySQL

BigQuery

ElasticSearch

Pubsub

React

Angular

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Palo Alto Networks

At Palo Alto Networks, everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Who We Are

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers and believe that the unique ideas of every team member contribute to our collective success. Our values, crowdsourced by employees, are brought to life through each of us every day — from disruptive innovation and collaboration to execution. We foster an environment of integrity and inclusion.

As part of our team, you will help shape the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and respect each employee as a unique individual. Our development and wellbeing programs are designed to support diverse needs, including our FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items, mental and financial health resources, and personalized learning opportunities.

We believe in collaboration and in-person interactions. Our employees generally work full-time from our office with flexibility as needed, fostering casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships. Our goal is a balanced environment where everyone can succeed.

Job Description

Your Career

We are seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to join our Cortex backend engineering group. You will be at the forefront of cloud security innovation, designing, developing, and maintaining the core backend infrastructure for Palo Alto Networks' Cortex Cloud Platform and its Cloud Security Posture features. Your work will directly impact the security of our customers' cloud environments. We seek candidates with a can-do attitude, passion for solving complex problems, and a desire to bring value to thousands of customers.

Your Impact

As a Principal Engineer, you will:

• Work across team boundaries
• Drive projects from requirements to design and implementation as project lead
• Align key stakeholders including product management, UX design, and engineering teams
• Review designs, identify and mitigate risks to ensure smooth project execution
• Mentor engineers across the department
• Provide cross-team technical collaboration and consultation
• Design, build, and optimize data models and queries for speed and scale, using technologies like MySQL and BigQuery

Qualifications

Your Experience

• 7+ years in software engineering, especially in cloud-native application development within large organizations or innovative startups
• Strong programming skills in Python, Go, or Java
• Experience with distributed systems architecture and design
• Familiarity with cloud technologies like ElasticSearch, Pubsub, etc.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills, capable of isolating issues and verifying bug fixes
• Experience with cloud development (REST APIs, Databases, Serverless computing)
• Proven ability to build and deliver services at scale using microservices architectures
• Good understanding of public cloud design considerations, security, distributed systems, and load balancing
• Experience working in agile teams on full-stack cloud products
• Hands-on experience as a tech lead or architect
• Data-driven decision-making and a proactive, energetic approach
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• UI development experience with React or Angular is a plus
• BSc/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Additional Information

Compensation Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $147,000 - $237,500 annually, depending on qualifications and location. Compensation may include stock units and bonuses. Benefits details are available here.

Our Commitment

We value diversity and are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Contact us at [e-mail] for assistance. Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the workplace.