Senior Vulnerability Researcher, Cortex Platform

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 163,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to join the Cortex Exposure Management team. You will help build and maintain vulnerability content, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive tools that power the security platform.

You will collaborate across teams to prioritize and remediate exposures on the XSIAM platform. The role emphasizes hands-on research, tooling development, and the ability to mentor other researchers while delivering high-impact security solutions

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in vulnerability management, offensive security or security research.
• Experience contributing to public vulnerability research, submitting CVEs or creating proof-of-concept exploits.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP and networking protocols (eg. HTTP, FTP, SSH, SNMP).
• Familiarity with common open source security software such as Nuclei, OpenVAS, and Nmap
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and vulnerability methodologies.
• Familiarity with current penetration and security assessment tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, Wireshark, etc.
• Proficient in Python. Familiar with, or eager to learn Java, Golang, C/C++ or RUST.
• Deep understanding of Windows, Linux, macOS and Unix-based systems.
• Able to switch between research, design, prototype, and implementation.
• Cybersecurity knowledge demonstrated with base level certifications (eg. OSCP, GPEN, or Pentest+) or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, industry-leading repository of vulnerability content to enhance detection and mitigation strategies.
• Shape and drive the tactical response to zero-day and critical vulnerabilities across all attack surfaces, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation.
• Conduct research and testing, enhance automation processes, and ensure a smooth workflow for identifying, validating and mitigating security risks.
• Analyze existing solutions, identify barriers to quality, recommend changes, then implement.
• Take part in architecture strategy sessions; design solutions that accommodate the requirements of the various groups across Cortex.
• Collaborate with teams to solve problems, reduce technical debt, and evolve development practices. Drive technical best practices and evangelize new technologies within the engineering organization.
• Mentor other researchers and ensure that your team delivers high-quality output.
• Take ownership of projects, drive them to completion, and support them in production.

Skills

Vulnerability management

Security research

Public vuln research

TCP/IP networking

Python

Linux/Windows/macOS

Tools

Nuclei

OpenVAS

Nmap

Burp Suite

Metasploit

Wireshark

Job description

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to join the Cortex Exposure Management team. You will help build and maintain vulnerability content, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive tools that power the security platform.

You will collaborate across teams to prioritize and remediate exposures on the XSIAM platform. The role emphasizes hands-on research, tooling development, and the ability to mentor other researchers while delivering high-impact security solutions