Senior Security Researcher - Advanced Threat Prevention Leader

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 162,700 - 263,175; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Security Researcher to lead the threat detection effort within the ATP team. You will drive innovative detection ideas from concept to production, own multiple projects, and provide technical leadership to researchers and developers.

This is a hands-on leadership role shaping vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and production detection work. You will influence cross-functional decisions with product, QA, engineering, and research partners to

Qualifications

• Deep hands-on vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and threat prevention work.
• Ability to identify technical problems, propose detection ideas, and drive execution with measurable impact.
• Strong understanding of vulnerability classes, exploit techniques, and network protocol behavior.
• Experience translating vulnerability understanding into production IPS signatures or detections.
• BS/MS in CS/CE/Cybersecurity or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and shape ATP detection strategy across vulnerability, exploit, and attack technique areas.
• Drive detection ideas from concept to production with measurable improvements.
• Lead technical work, guide researchers, and make decisions under time pressure.
• Improve rapid response for zero-days, CVEs, and emerging attack vectors.
• Define validation standards for complex detection cases and automation.
• Collaborate with product, QA, engineering, and research partners to ensure production readiness.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Exploit analysis

IPS/IDS detection

Threat prevention

Research leadership

Communication skills

Programming/scripting

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Security Researcher to lead the threat detection effort within the ATP team. You will drive innovative detection ideas from concept to production, own multiple projects, and provide technical leadership to researchers and developers.

This is a hands-on leadership role shaping vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and production detection work. You will influence cross-functional decisions with product, QA, engineering, and research partners to