Software Engineer- Networking

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a Principal Software Engineer to architect, build, and maintain mission-critical UVEM network scanner services and on‑prem engines, leading cross-functional collaboration to innovate in a fast-paced security environment.

You will mentor peers, optimize performance, and integrate with CI/CD, Docker, and Kubernetes to ensure reliable deployments; strong OS and networking knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in security industry software engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency in at least one typed programming language (Golang, C/C++, Python).
• Strong foundation in Operating Systems and networking.

Responsibilities

• Architect and build scalable, secure on‑prem network scanner engines and backend services.
• Improve performance and reduce latency using efficient data structures and algorithms.
• Maintain production code with high uptime and reliability; participate in code reviews.
• Work with CI/CD, Docker/Kubernetes to streamline deployments and configs.
• Collaborate in an Agile environment to drive technical growth and mentorship.

Skills

Golang

C/C++

Python

OS & Networking basics

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

GCP

AWS

Azure

GitLab CI

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!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real‑time problem‑solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our high-impact engineering team. In this role, you will be instrumental in architecting, building, and maintaining the mission‑critical UVEM network scanner services and on‑prem engines.

As a proactive self‑starter, you will lead the development of network scanner engine You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive innovation in a fast‑paced environment where your work directly impacts the security posture of organizations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design: Spearhead the design and implementation of highly scalable, secure, and performant on‑prem network scanner engines and backend services
• Performance Optimization: Use advanced data structures and algorithms to solve complex computational problems and optimize system latency.
• Production Reliability: Troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance production‑level code, ensuring high uptime and reliability for new and existing services.
• DevOps Integration: Collaborate with CI/CD pipelines and containerization strategies (Docker/Kubernetes) to streamline deployment and configuration management.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Work within an Agile environment, participating in peer code reviews and contributing to the technical growth of the team.
• OSI Stack & Protocol Expertise: Good understanding of the OSI model, the TCP/IP stack, routing mechanics, and the intricacies of common network protocols (TCP/UDP, DNS, HTTP, TLS, ICMP, SSH, SMB)
• Traffic & Packet Analysis: Hands‑on proficiency using network diagnostic and exploration tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, and nmap to analyze raw packet captures and network

Qualifications

Technical Core:

• 6+ years of professional experience in security industry software engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency in at least one typed programming language (e.g., Golang, C/C++, python).
• Strong foundation in Operating Systems and network knowledge.

Tools & Infrastructure:

• Hands‑on experience with Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with Cloud Computing platforms (GCP preferred; AWS/Azure also valued).
• Proficiency in CI/CD workflows and configuration management (GitLab CI preferred).

Soft Skills & Domain Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts.
• A meticulous attention to detail and a "security-first" mindset.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Desirable: Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, Exposure management, Vulnerability management, Network Scanner

#LI-BL1

Compensation Disclosure

A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/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?: Yes