Senior Manager, Software Engineering

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 298,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, located in Santa Clara, California, is seeking a Senior Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers in designing and developing security features for next-generation firewalls. Candidates should have a strong leadership background and technical expertise to drive quality-focused product development.

This role demands a minimum of 15 years of experience in software and networking, with proven success in managing engineering teams. Compensation ranges from $185,000 to $298,000 per year, along with an inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in software and networking with a focus on network security.
• Experienced in leading Software Engineering teams and delivering complex solutions.
• Hands-on development experience on Unix systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of security features.
• Partner with leadership to align product strategy.
• Mentor engineering managers and senior engineers.
• Conduct performance reviews and career development discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

C/C++/Go programming

Networking security

Mentoring

Cloud development

Kubernetes

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Software Engineering Manager will oversee a team of innovative engineers designing and developing security features for our next-generation firewalls. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to instilling a quality-focused mindset across the organization. You will drive the building of global products and bring new ideas to the security discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the innovation, design, and development of new security features in next-generation firewalls.

• Focus on Layer 7 identity and inspection to enhance security capabilities.

• Partner with Product, Design, and Engineering Leadership to align priorities with platform strategy.

• Establish technical direction and influence architectural decisions for services operating at enterprise scale.

• Mentor engineering managers and senior engineers, fostering leadership growth and organizational effectiveness.

• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, innovation, and strong engineering fundamentals.

• Conduct weekly one-on-ones, mid-year, and year-end performance reviews with direct reports.

• Review career development opportunities and individual resource loading across multiple programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in software and networking, with a strong focus on network security.
• Proven track record of successfully leading Software Engineering teams and delivering high-quality, complex design solutions.
• Prior experience in a managerial or engineering leadership role.
• Strong hands‑on development experience with C, C++, or Go on Unix systems.
• Proven track record of successfully managing high‑stakes customer issues and technical escalations.
• Deep understanding of VPN and remote access technologies is preferred.
• Familiarity with modern infrastructure, including microservices, cloud development, and Kubernetes is preferred.

Compensation

$185,000.00 - $298,000.00/yr

Immigration Sponsorship

No.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.

Accommodations

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].

EEO Confidentiality

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.