Principal Software Engineer in Test (Cloud Security Services)

Palo Alto Networks; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a seasoned Senior QA Engineer to own the QA strategy for our cloud-delivered security services. You will lead end-to-end testing, covering functional and performance aspects, to ensure enterprise-grade security and reliability.

In this role, you will work with cross-functional teams across design, development, deployment, and customer success to uphold the highest standards. 10+ years of experience, strong automation, and cloud technology exposure are required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in cybersecurity, networking, and related areas.
• Strong Python (or similar) scripting and automation skills.
• Experience with TCP/IP and L4-L7 protocols.
• Hands-on experience with traffic generation/test tools.
• Knowledge of Next-Gen Firewalls and IPS engines.
• Exposure to Cloud Technologies (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/CE or related field.

Responsibilities

• Own the QA strategy for end-to-end testing across cloud services.
• Ensure quality, reliability, and scalability of cloud security services.
• Collaborate with design, development, deployment, and customer success teams.

Skills

Python scripting

Test automation

SQA methodologies

Networking protocols

Linux/Windows

AI-assisted testing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/CE

Tools

Spirent

BreakingPoint

Ixia

Job description

Our Cloud-Delivered Security QA organization is seeking a seasoned and accomplished Senior Engineer with expertise in cloud services, automation, integrations, and security technologies.

• You will be part of a world-class team responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and scalability of our cloud security services.
• As a QA Senior engineer, you will own the QA strategy for end-to-end testing, covering functional, integration, performance, and cloud-scale reliability.
• You will work with teams through all phases of the product lifecycle from design and development to deployment and customer success ensuring our solutions meet the highest standards of enterprise security and performance.
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Software Development or QA experience in cybersecurity, networking, and related areas
• Experience writing test plans/cases with strong knowledge of SQA methodologies, tools, and procedures; strong Python (or similar) scripting and automation skills
• Strong experience in standard TCP/IP protocols (ARP, IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, IPSec VPNs) and L4-L7 protocols (HTTP, SSL/TLS, SMTP, POP3, DNS, LDAP)
• Experience installing and configuring core network services on Linux/Windows; deep packet-level understanding of how the Internet works
• Hands‑on experience with open-source and commercial traffic generation/test tools (Spirent, BreakingPoint, Ixia)
• Knowledge of Next-Gen Firewalls and IPS engines
• Exposure to Cloud Technologies (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Practical experience leveraging AI/LLM-driven tools (e.g., AI-assisted test generation, self-healing automation, dynamic traffic synthesis, or anomaly detection) to optimize QA workflows and security validation.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.