Senior Principal/Architect Engineer Software

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restricted stock units

Employee benefits

Immigration sponsorship eligibility

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is looking for a Module FW Integration Engineer to oversee software validation and automation for wireless products. This role focuses on integrated development, network emulation, and supports certification processes across global carriers.

Responsibilities include validating embedded applications and troubleshooting 4G/5G routing platforms. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in wireless device certification and strong proficiency in embedded Linux systems.

Competitive salary range of $170,000 - $277,000 annually, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in wireless device certification, RF/cellular testing, or telecom test automation.
• Proven experience developing and debugging application software within embedded architectures.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Bash for hardware/simulator API interaction.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and validate embedded Linux-based applications.
• Design and maintain robust Python/Bash scripting frameworks.
• Configure and manage high-end network emulators.

Skills

Embedded Linux Systems

Python & Scripting

Wireless Protocols

Networking Foundations

Diagnostic & RF Equipment

Industry Standards Familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field

Master’s Degree Preferred

Tools

Wireshark

QXDM

QPSF

RF Equipment

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Module FW Integration Engineer – For Module Integration and Cellular Certification to drive software validation, automation, and the cellular certification lifecycle for our wireless products. This role bridges embedded application development, network emulation, and supports global carrier certification. You will validate embedded applications, build Python automation pipelines, and utilize industry-standard network simulators to troubleshoot 4G/5G routing platforms against carrier and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Embedded Development & Validation: Develop, modify, and validate embedded Linux-based applications, ensuring seamless communication between network layers, peripheral hardware, and cellular modems.

• Test Automation: Design and maintain robust Python/Bash scripting frameworks to automate image loading, device provisioning, network simulator configurations, and data collection loops.

• Network Emulation & Testing: Configure and manage high-end network emulators/call boxes (Keysight UXM, Rohde & Schwarz CMX/CMW, Amarisoft) to recreate complex 4G LTE and 5G NR live environments. Build cabled multi‑UE distribution setups.

• Image Management: Configure, track, and load software/firmware builds onto engineering prototypes and production routing units for formal testing.

• Advanced Troubleshooting: Isolate and debug network, software, and protocol layer issues via log diagnostics. Perform hardware characterization using RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, network analyzers).

• Global Collaboration: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external third‑party test labs, Carrier Certification Teams and Industry Certification bodies, and chipset vendors globally.

Certification Execution (NA & Asia)

• Regulatory Filings: Prepare technical documentation and test data for FCC/ISED (North America) and regional Asian bodies such as JPN (Japan), KC (South Korea), TW (Taiwan), and ANZ (Australia/NewZealand).

• Industry Compliance: Coordinate and oversee PTCRB and GCF (Global Certification Forum) testing cycles from initial submission to final listing.

• Documentation: Compile and maintain Technical Construction Files (TCF), user manual compliance statements, and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) records.

• Carrier Acceptance & Testing Support

• Support the Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) process for major North American carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and key Asian operators.

• Work directly with test houses to reproduce, log, and debug issues found during conformance testing.

• Analyze protocol and RF logs (using tools such as QXDM, Wireshark, or equivalent) to help isolate software or hardware issues.

• Test Lab & Vendor Coordination

• Quote, submit purchase orders in support of FCC, CE, TW, KC, JPN, AU and NZ country regulatory testing (archive reports/certifications).

• Quote, submit purchase orders in support for industry and carrier certifications testing and certifications (archive reports/certifications).

• Act as the daily interface with third‑party test labs and Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs).

• Ship samples and accessories, track test progress, resolve blocking issues in the lab, and ensure test reports are delivered accurately and on time.

• Manage device inventory, SW and cellular module firmware, and device configuration for certification.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Embedded Linux Systems: Proven experience developing and debugging application software within embedded architectures and Linux environments.

• Python & Scripting: Strong proficiency in Python and Bash for hardware/simulator API interaction and test automation.

• Wireless Protocols: Solid understanding of 4G LTE and 5G NR (Standalone/Non‑Standalone) software stacks and 3GPP protocol layers (NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC).

• Networking Foundations: Robust knowledge of core routing protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VPNs, VLANs) and memory management.

• Diagnostic & RF Equipment: Mastery of protocol analysis tools (Wireshark, QXDM, QPST) alongside hands‑on experience programming RF equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, power meters) and running automated test scripts.

• Familiarity with industry standards (3GPP) and carrier test plans.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field. Master’s Degree Preferred.

• Experience: 10+ years of direct, hands‑on experience in wireless device certification, RF/cellular testing, or telecom test automation.

• Compliance Frameworks: Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory filings (FCC/ISED, CE, JPN, KC, TW, ANZ), and industry/carrier acceptance testing (PTCRB, GCF, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile).

Core Competencies

• Project & Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Strong communication skills to act as a technical liaison internal hardware/software engineering teams, external certification labs and customers.

• Language (Plus): Professional working proficiency in Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean is highly advantageous.

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/commissioned 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.

$170,000.00 - $277,000.00/yr

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