Principal Software Test Engineer (Strata Cloud Manager)

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 226,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to enhance their Cloud Management Platform. This role involves designing and executing test automation, collaborating with engineering teams, and ensuring high-quality cybersecurity products. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in test automation, strong programming skills, and a commitment to innovation in cybersecurity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a Software Developer/SDET/Software Test Engineer.
• Strong knowledge of test automation tools and frameworks.
• Experience automating REST APIs with Python/Pytest.

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and executing test automation for security platform features.
• Creating comprehensive test plans covering all test cases for customer use cases.
• Collaborating with Engineering and Product teams during product development.

Skills

Test planning

Test automation

Collaboration

Communication

Debugging

Education

BSc or MSc in Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Selenium

GitLab CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

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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 daily actions—from disruptive innovation and collaboration to integrity and inclusion.

As a team member, you will help shape the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and respect each individual's needs. Our development and wellbeing programs, including FLEXBenefits, mental and financial health resources, and personalized learning, are designed to support you.

At Palo Alto Networks, we value collaboration and in-person interactions. Our employees generally work full-time from our offices with flexibility where needed, fostering casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships. Our goal is an environment where everyone can succeed.

Job Description
The Cloud Management Platform is a public cloud-delivered management platform for all Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation network security solutions.

It is an easy-to-use, scalable, and secure platform to operationalize complex deployments using the Palo Alto Networks security portfolio.

You will work with highly motivated engineers to build a scalable and secure multi-tenant cloud solution managing devices in physical, virtual, or container forms.

We seek passionate engineers who can code, build great products, and lead projects. Collaboration and teamwork are core to our culture, and we need engineers who communicate well and work towards common goals.

Your Impact
Responsibilities
As a Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), your key responsibilities include:

• Designing, developing, and executing test automation for our security platform features.
• Creating comprehensive test plans covering all test cases for customer use cases.
• Developing and maintaining test automation frameworks.
• Building tools and infrastructure to enable continuous, confident releases.
• Collaborating with Engineering and Product teams during product development.
• Understanding customer configurations, debugging, reproducing issues, verifying fixes, and adding test cases.
• Verifying endurance and scale testing for robustness under stress.
• Applying creative testing approaches to ensure high-quality cybersecurity products.
• Working on cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) to automate cloud management.
• Configuring and expanding functional and system testbeds.
• Participating in rigorous testing specifications and methods development.
• Debugging issues and verifying bug fixes post-resolution.

Qualifications
Your Experience

• Proven experience in test planning, case development, and SDET methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of test automation tools and frameworks.
• Experience automating REST APIs with Python/Pytest.
• UI automation experience using Selenium, JavaScript, or Playwright.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, Java, JavaScript).
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and cloud security.
• Understanding of networking protocols (L2-L7).
• Experience with network security products, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), Linux, Docker, Kubernetes is a plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• BSc or MSc in Computer Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience as a Software Developer/SDET/Software Test Engineer.

Additional Information
The Team
Our engineering team is central to our mission of preventing cyberattacks. We innovate continuously, challenging industry norms, and building solutions to complex problems. We seek individuals comfortable with ambiguity, excited by challenges, and motivated by the importance of cybersecurity.

Compensation Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $147,000 - $225,500/year, depending on experience and location. Compensation may include stock units and bonuses. Benefits details are available on our website.

Our Commitment
We value diversity and are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For assistance, contact [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and ensuring consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of protected characteristics.

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Computer and Network Security

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