Principal Software Engineer in Test (Cloud Security Services)

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior QA Engineer to own the QA strategy for end-to-end testing of our cloud security services. You will drive functional, integration, performance, and cloud-scale reliability efforts, ensuring a high bar for security and performance across the product lifecycle.

Qualified candidates have 10+ years in software QA or development, strong scripting (Python), networking knowledge, and exposure to cloud technologies (AWS/GCP/Azure).

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience with a BS or MS degree.
• 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 to optimize QA workflows and security validation.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Own the QA strategy for end-to-end testing across functional, integration, performance, and cloud-scale reliability.
• Ensure quality, reliability, and scalability of our cloud security services.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams through all phases of the product lifecycle to meet enterprise security and performance standards.

Skills

Python scripting

SQA methodologies

Automation

Cloud technologies

Networking protocols

Linux/Windows

Open-source testing tools

AI/LLM tools

Education

Bachelors/Masters in CS/CE

Tools

Spirent

BreakingPoint

Ixia

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

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.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience, with a BS or MS degree

• 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.

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/) .

$156,400.00 - $253,000.00/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