Senior MDR Analyst (Unit 42)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Burbank (CA); Remote; USD 128,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks in the United States is seeking a Senior Managed Detection and Response Analyst to join our elite Unit 42 team. You will detect and respond to complex cyber incidents, manage escalations, and lead tactical shift operations in a remote, 24x7 environment across global time zones.

You will analyze endpoint, network, identity, and cloud telemetry with Cortex XDR/XSOAR, document findings for customers, and collaborate with Threat Intelligence and Security Research to improve

Qualifications

• 5+ years of SOC, Incident Response, MDR, or Managed Security Services experience.
• Hands-on experience with EDR, SIEM, SOAR, and firewall technologies.
• Strong understanding of cyber threats, attack techniques, and incident response processes.
• Working knowledge of APT operations and the attack cycle, including propagation and lateral movement.
• Understanding of organizational cyber protection, security tools, and leveraged remediation techniques.
• Experience with investigative technologies such as SIEM, packet capture analysis, host forensics, and EDR tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven experience collaborating effectively with customers.
• Flexibility to work overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts in a 24x7 MDR operation.
• U.S. citizenship is required for this role based on business and customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete investigation and response lifecycle of security alerts across customer environments.
• Analyze complex endpoint, network, identity, and cloud telemetry to identify and mitigate malicious activity.
• Document and communicate critical findings and remediation actions to customers and internal teams.
• Collaborate with MDR management to drive operational shift execution, technical enhancements, and workflow improvements.
• Partner with Threat Intelligence and Security Research teams to improve detection and response capabilities.

Skills

SOC experience

Incident Response

EDR

SIEM

SOAR

Firewall tech

Threat analysis

Overnight shifts

Citizenship requirement

Customer collaboration

Tools

Cortex XDR

Cortex XSOAR

Packet capture tools

Forensics tools

EDR tools

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!

This role is remote, but distance is no barrier to impact. Our hybrid teams collaborate across geographies to solve big problems, stay close to our customers, and grow together. You will be part of a culture that values trust, accountability, and shared success where your work truly matters.

Job Summary

Join our elite Unit 42 team as a Senior Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Analyst to deliver top-tier security to global customers. In this critical role, you will detect and respond to complex cyber incidents, manage escalations, and lead tactical shift operations. We seek a proactive problem-solver who excels at analyzing threats using our Cortex Platform. This is a dynamic, remote, shift-based position covering global time zones, including weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the complete investigation and response lifecycle of security alerts across customer environments.


• Analyze complex endpoint, network, identity, and cloud telemetry to identify and mitigate malicious activity.


• Document and communicate critical findings and remediation actions to customers and internal teams.


• Collaborate with MDR management to drive operational shift execution, technical enhancements, and workflow improvements.


• Partner with Threat Intelligence and Security Research teams to improve detection and response capabilities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of SOC, Incident Response, MDR, or Managed Security Services experience.


• Hands-on experience with EDR, SIEM, SOAR, and firewall technologies.


• Strong understanding of cyber threats, attack techniques, and incident response processes.


• Working knowledge of APT operations and the attack cycle, including propagation and lateral movement.


• Understanding of organizational cyber protection, security tools, and leveraged remediation techniques.


• Experience with investigative technologies such as SIEM, packet capture analysis, host forensics, and EDR tools.


• Strong interpersonal skills with proven experience collaborating effectively with customers.


• Flexibility to work overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts in a 24x7 MDR operation.


• U.S. citizenship is required for this role based on business and customer needs.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with Cortex XDR and/or Cortex XSOAR platforms.


• Previous experience working shift-based or overnight security operations.


• Active security certifications such as CySA+, CEH, or similar credentials.


• Prior experience working in a dedicated SOC or Incident Response environment

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.

$127,600.00 - $189,200.00/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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.