Senior Security Researcher

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 139,600 - 225,775; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is looking for a Senior Security Researcher to lead efforts in vulnerability research and exploit development. In this role, you will leverage AI models to enhance cyber defense capabilities and contribute to the security community.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity, along with 3+ years of experience in offensive security and a strong understanding of modern OS and application security.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $139,600.00 - $225,775.00 per year based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in offensive security or vulnerability research.
• Experience in reverse engineering, fuzzing, or exploit development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced vulnerability research and exploit development.
• Leverage AI models to automate bug hunting across diverse domains.
• Design and deploy AI-guided tools for vulnerability research.

Skills

Offensive security

Vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Exploit development

Fuzzing

Network protocols

Application security

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Tools

Penetration testing tools

Job description

Job Summary

As a Senior Security Researcher, you will be at the forefront of cyber defense, focusing on vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development. You will leverage cutting‑edge AI models to create agentic defenders and autonomous systems for vulnerability discovery, validation, and remediation. Your work will involve deep‑dive analysis in areas such as Web Security, OS & Kernel Security, Software Supply Chain Security, OT/IoT security, participation in bug bounties, and contributing to the global security community through CVEs and research.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced vulnerability research, reverse engineering, fuzzing, root‑cause analysis, and exploit development across various platforms.
• Leverage Large Language Models and advanced ML techniques to automate and scale bug hunting across diverse domains, including Web, OS & Kernel, Software Supply Chain, OT/IoT, and Browser Security.
• Use AI agents to accelerate PoC generation, exploitability analysis, and finding validation, with an emphasis on reducing false positives.
• Design and deploy AI‑guided fuzzers, smart static/dynamic analysis tools, and autonomous agentic workflows specifically built for vulnerability research.
• Develop and utilize agent harnesses for vulnerability discovery, PoC validation, patch validation, and defensive security research workflows.
• Publish research, document findings, and contribute to the responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities (CVEs).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience in offensive security, vulnerability research, or a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in reverse engineering, fuzzing, exploit development, or vulnerability root‑cause analysis.
• Familiarity with penetration testing tools and methodologies, with emphasis on vulnerability discovery, exploitability assessment, and validation.
• Strong knowledge of modern operating systems, network protocols, and application security.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience applying AI/ML models to cybersecurity challenges.
• Knowledge of security in one or several of the following areas: Operational Technology (OT) or Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Web Security, OS & Kernel Security, Software Supply Chain Security, Browser Security.
• A public track record of security research, such as conference presentations, publications, or CVEs.
• Experience with model training, post‑training, or evaluation techniques such as Supervised Fine‑Tuning, Reinforcement Learning, RLHF, or security‑focused benchmark design.
• Experience building AI agent harnesses, fuzzing harnesses, evaluation harnesses, or vulnerability validation workflows is a plus.

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.

$139,600.00 - $225,775.00/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.