Principal Software Engineer (L7 Security)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking engineers who design and develop state-of-the-art security features for our next‑generation firewalls.

You will work on Layer7 identity and inspection areas, collaborating with multi‑functional teams to deliver secure, scalable solutions. Ideally, you are an adept coder with strong C/C++ skills, a solid networking background, and a drive to push performance, security, and reliability across global products.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Computer Science or equivalent
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages
• In‑depth knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP) and TLS/L4‑L7 protocols a plus
• Experience developing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and security
• Solid understanding of software development methodologies, version control, and agile practices
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team
• Verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Flair for coding in C/C++/GO

Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, and develop new security features in next‑generation firewalls
• Develop functional specifications, assess requirements, and support development and debugging
• Suggest and implement improvements to the development process
• Communicate goals clearly to internal project teams, interview and mentor new team members
• Identify performance bottlenecks and continuously improve efficiency

Skills

C/C++

Networking concepts

TLS/L4-L7 protocols

Performance optimization

Agile practices

Team communication

Go language

Education

B.S. in Computer Science

Tools

GCC/Clang

Go

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

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 the foundation of 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.

Job Description

Your Career

We’re seeking innovators - engineers who seek to design new products, designing state‑of‑the‑art products that do not exist today. These engineers love to code with a drive to build global products and bring new ideas to develop security disciplines to solve real‑world problems. We are looking for leaders who take ownership of their areas of focus and who are driven to pursue problems at every level. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture and we need engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with multi‑functional teams towards achieving a common goal.

Your Impact

• Innovate, design, and develop new security features in our next‑generation firewalls in the Layer7 identity and inspection areas.
• Develop functional specifications, assess task requirements and scheduling, and assist in development, debug and support
• Suggest and implement improvements to the development process
• Clearly communicate goals and desired outcomes to internal project teams - Interview, mentor and coach new team members
• Identify performance bottlenecks and continuously implement improvements

Qualifications

Your Experience

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline or equivalent practical experience, graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Computer Science or similar technical discipline is preferred or equivalent military experience
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages.
• In‑depth knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, and familiarity with security protocols such as TLS and L4‑L7 protocols is a plus.
• Experience in developing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and security.
• Solid understanding of software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile practices.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Verbal and written communication skills to work with multi‑functional groups - a good team player who brings a can‑do attitude to a dynamic working environment
• Flair for coding in C/C++/GO.

Additional information

The Team

To stay ahead of the curve, it’s critical to know where the curve is, and how to anticipate the changes we’re facing. For the fastest growing cybersecurity company, the curve is the evolution of cyberattacks, and the products and services that proactively address them. Our engineering team is at the core of our products – connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. They are constantly innovating – challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity. These engineers aren’t shy about creating products to solve problems no one has tackled before. They define the industry, instead of waiting for directions. We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment.

Our engineering team is provided with an unrivaled opportunity to build the products and practices that will support our company growth over the next decade, defining the cybersecurity industry as we know it. If you see the potential of how incredible people products can transform a business, this is the team for you. If you don’t wait for directions, instead, identifying new features and opportunities we have to just get better, this is your new career.

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 between $150,000.00 to $250,000.000/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that 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

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline or equivalent practical experience, graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Computer Science or similar technical discipline is preferred or equivalent military experience
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages.
• In‑depth knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, and familiarity with security protocols such as TLS and L4‑L7 protocols is a plus.
• Experience in developing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and security.
• Solid understanding of software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile practices.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Verbal and written communication skills to work with multi‑functional groups - a good team player who brings a can‑do attitude to a dynamic working environment
• Flair for coding in C/C++/GO.

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.

$134,600.00 - $217,800.00/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