Principal Software Engineer (Cloud NGFW)

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

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. seeks an experienced Software Engineer to design, develop and deliver next‑generation cloud security service technologies within our Next Gen Firewall as a Service team.

You will architect and code world‑class security services on cloud providers and collaborate across teams to drive quality software. The role emphasizes ownership, leadership, and mentoring, with a focus on scalable features, multi‑cloud interconnect, and front-end development across platforms.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering experience with cloud-native development.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, or Java with distributed systems experience.
• Experience with AI coding tools.
• Experience with cloud-native stacks on AWS, Azure, GCP or OCI.
• Experience with complex Cloud Networking Topologies and Multi-Cloud-Interconnect.
• Cloud development (REST APIs, Databases, Serverless) for distributed applications.
• MS/BS degree in Computer Science Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement highly scalable software features on the NextGen Firewall as a Service platform.
• Ownership of end-to-end workflow for the expanding service.
• Leadership to drive cross-functional collaboration for high-quality software.
• Open engineering environment to improve the v1 service development process.
• Identify and mitigate risks; mentor team members and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with DevOps and Technical Support to troubleshoot customer issues.
• Design and build the front end for the service across multiple platforms.
• Interview, mentor and coach new team members.

Skills

Python/Go/Java

Distributed systems

AI coding tools

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP/OCI)

Cloud networking & multi-cloud

Education

MS/BS in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design, develop and deliver next‑generation cloud security service technologies within our Next Generation Firewall as a Service team. We want passionate engineers who love to architect and code world‑class security services on cloud providers. We are looking for engineers who bring new ideas in all facets of software development. They are leaders who take ownership of their areas of focus and who are driven to solve problems at every level. Collaboration and teamwork are at the foundation of our culture and we need engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with others toward achieving a common goal.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement highly scalable software features on our next generation security platform as part of NextGen Firewall as a Service.
• Ownership of end to end workflow for the expanding service.
• Leadership opportunity to drive collaboration with internal/external cross‑functional efforts to deliver best in quality software.
• Open Engineering environment to suggest and improve the development process for a v1 service.
• Proactively spot, articulate, and mitigate risks in ongoing and planned projects to ensure smooth execution and high output – this may include providing ad hoc mentorship, communicating with project stakeholders, or rolling up your sleeves and stepping in to help move things along.
• Collaboratively work with DevOps and the Technical Support teams to troubleshoot customer issues and build better customer experiences.
• Design and build the front end for the service across multiple platforms.
• Interview, mentor and coach new team members as part of the growing team.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on cloud‑native application development, at large organizations or innovative startups.
• Strong programming skills in one of Python, Go, or Java, with experience in building distributed systems.
• Experience with AI coding tools.
• Experience with cloud‑native service development stack on AWS, Azure, GCP or OCI.
• Experience with complex Cloud Networking Topologies and Multi‑Cloud‑Interconnect.
• Experience with cloud development (REST APIs, Databases, Serverless computing) of distributed cloud applications.
• Education: M.S./B.S. degree in Computer Science Engineering or equivalent.

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/commissioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. The employee benefits description can be found here.

$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/yr

EEO / Diversity

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.

Immigration Sponsorship

Yes