Principal Software Engineer (NGFW Platform)

ZipRecruiter; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking cybersecurity firm dedicated to safeguarding the digital landscape. As a key member of the Platform Software group, you will design and develop cutting-edge diagnostics and software for Next-Generation Firewall platforms. This role involves collaboration across various teams, ensuring high-quality product delivery, and innovating features based on real-world feedback. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this innovative company offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will have a significant impact on the future of cybersecurity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in device drivers and platform software development.
• Strong C coding and debugging skills required.
• Experience with Linux Kernel and scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams on product development phases.
• Innovate features based on stakeholder feedback.
• Troubleshoot and ensure high-quality product design.

Skills

Device Drivers

Linux Kernel

C Programming

Debugging Skills

Scripting (Bash, Python)

FPGA

Firmware

TPM Knowledge

Fast-paced Environment Adaptability

Job description

Job Description

Company Description

Our Mission

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 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.

Who We Are

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers, and we believe that the unique ideas of every team member contribute to our collective success. Our values, crowdsourced by employees, are reflected in our everyday actions — from disruptive innovation and collaboration to integrity and inclusivity.

As a team member, you will help shape the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and respect each individual as unique. Our development and wellbeing programs, such as FLEXBenefits, mental and financial health resources, and personalized learning opportunities, support diverse needs.

We believe in collaboration and in-person interactions, which is why our employees typically work full-time from our offices with flexibility when needed, fostering casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships.

Job Description

Your Career

As part of the Platform Software group, you will participate in designing and developing diagnostics/software for our Next-Generation Firewall platforms, including platform bring-up diagnostics, security using TPM chips, kernel and use-space driver development, and provisioning of third-party vendor switches/fabrics.

Responsibilities include all phases of product development — from definition, design, implementation, testing, to deployment — collaborating with manufacturing, operations, ASIC, hardware, software, and QA teams.

Your Impact

• Collaborate with stakeholders on platform delivery.
• Innovate new features based on feedback.
• Identify product differentiators.
• Troubleshoot to ensure high-quality product design.

Qualifications

Your Experience

• 10+ years in device drivers, platform software, hardware bring-up, and support.
• Experience with Linux Kernel, DPDK, FPGA, Firmware, PHY, Switch/Fabric SDK, Storage, POE controllers.
• Ability to interpret vendor specifications for testing components.
• Experience with fixed/chassis appliances.
• Strong C coding and debugging skills.
• Scripting skills in Bash and Python.
• Experience debugging Linux kernel performance, memory, and boot issues.
• Knowledge of TPM, FIPS, and CC certifications is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with x86 and MIPS architectures is a plus.
• Related programming experience is required.

Additional Information

The Team

Our engineering team is central to our products—directly aligned with our mission to prevent cyberattacks. We innovate continuously, challenging industry standards and solving complex problems with new products.

We foster an environment of ambiguity, challenge, and innovation, where team members are empowered to take risks and face unknowns to ensure a secure digital environment.

Compensation Disclosure

The salary range for this position is expected to be between $147,000 and $237,500 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation may include stock units and bonuses. For more details, see our employee benefits information.

Our Commitment

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [e-mail] if needed.

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, ancestry, color, family or medical leave, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, political affiliation, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is this role eligible for immigration sponsorship? Yes