Principal Software Engineer- Networking

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

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to architect, build, and maintain mission‑critical UVEM network scanner services and on‑prem engines. You will lead development of the scanner engine and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive security innovations in a fast‑paced environment.

Join a high‑impact engineering team shaping cybersecurity at scale. You will work through architecture, performance, and reliability challenges while contributing to a culture of

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in security industry software engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency in at least one typed programming language (e.g., Golang, C/C++, python).
• Strong foundation in Operating Systems and network knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design: Spearhead the design and implementation of scalable on‑prem network scanner engines and backend services.
• Performance Optimization: Apply advanced data structures and algorithms to reduce latency.
• Production Reliability: Troubleshoot, maintain, and improve production‑level code for high uptime and reliability.
• DevOps Integration: Integrate with CI/CD pipelines and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) for smooth deployments.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Participate in Agile practices and mentor teammates.
• OSI Stack & Protocol Expertise: Deep understanding of TCP/IP, OSI, DNS, HTTP, TLS, SSH, SMB.
• Traffic & Packet Analysis: Use Wireshark, tcpdump, and nmap for network analysis.

Skills

Security software engineering

Golang

C/C++

Python

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms (GCP/AWS/Azure)

GitLab CI

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

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our high-impact engineering team. In this role, you will be instrumental in architecting, building, and maintaining the mission-critical UVEM network scanner services and on-prem engines.

As a proactive self-starter, you will lead the development of network scanner engine You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in a fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts the security posture of organizations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design: Spearhead the design and implementation of highly scalable, secure, and performant on-prem network scanner engines and backend services

• Performance Optimization: Use advanced data structures and algorithms to solve complex computational problems and optimize system latency.

• Production Reliability: Troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance production-level code, ensuring high uptime and reliability for new and existing services.

• DevOps Integration: Collaborate with CI/CD pipelines and containerization strategies (Docker/Kubernetes) to streamline deployment and configuration management.

• Mentorship & Collaboration: Work within an Agile environment, participating in peer code reviews and contributing to the technical growth of the team.

• OSI Stack & Protocol Expertise: Good understanding of the OSI model, the TCP/IP stack, routing mechanics, and the intricacies of common network protocols (TCP/UDP, DNS, HTTP, TLS, ICMP, SSH, SMB)

• Traffic & Packet Analysis: Hands-on proficiency using network diagnostic and exploration tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, and nmap to analyze raw packet captures and network

Qualifications

Technical Core:

• 6+ years of professional experience in security industry software engineering.

• Expert-level proficiency in at least one typed programming language (e.g., Golang, C/C++, python).

• Strong foundation in Operating Systems and network knowledge.

Tools & Infrastructure:

• Hands-on experience with Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

• Experience with Cloud Computing platforms (GCP preferred; AWS/Azure also valued).

• Proficiency in CI/CD workflows and configuration management (GitLab CI preferred).

Soft Skills & Domain Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts.

• A meticulous attention to detail and a "security-first" mindset.

• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.

• Desirable: Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, Exposure management, Vulnerability management, Network Scanner

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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.

$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/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