Sr Power Validation Engineer (NetSec)

Jobs Paloaltonetworks; California; On-site; USD 125,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Hardware Engineer in California to perform hands-on validation testing of power delivery circuits (DC/DC, LDO, load switches) and collaborate with cross-functional teams on board power design reviews and characterization.

You'll work with board design, mechanical, signal integrity, and lab teams, contributing to system bring-up and reliability while developing automation scripts to improve test throughput and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Lab instrumentation and measurement expertise with VNA, oscilloscope, DMM, and programmable power supplies.
• Power analysis with Arb generator; familiarity with Keysight N6705 preferred.
• Dynamic loading using electronic loads for transient and steady-state profiling.
• Python scripting for test automation.
• Proficiency with PyVISA/SCPI for instrument control.
• Windows batch and Linux shell scripting for automated test setup and execution.
• Knowledge of Buck/Boost/LDO regulators and stability/efficiency analysis.
• Characterization of capacitors/inductors including ESR/ESL and DC/AC bias effects.
• MOSFETs/BJTs for switching and linear applications.
• General analog fundamentals: op-amps and sensing circuits.
• Experience in new product development teams; networking product experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Board level power design input and schematics review for CPU subsystems and other devices using LDOs and switching regulators.
• Execute comprehensive validation test plans for DC/DC converters.
• Develop and maintain test scripts to interface with lab equipment for automated, high-throughput data collection.
• Leverage AI where possible for automation and analysis of results.
• Troubleshoot power system issues including transient response, stability, and thermal management.

Skills

VNA

Oscilloscopes

DMM

Power supplies

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Power Analyzer (N6705)

Electronic Loads

Python

PyVISA/SCPI

Windows Batch / Linux shell

Buck/Boost/LDO regulators

Capacitors/Inductors (ESR/ESL/bias)

MOSFETs/BJTs

Operational amplifiers

New product development

Networking product experience

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Keysight N6705 DC Power Analyzer

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.

Job Summary

Your Career

As a member of the Hardware Engineering team, you will perform hands‑on validation testing for various power delivery circuits including DC/DC, LDO and load switches that are crucial to providing reliable power in our platforms. Using an overall system design approach you will also work very closely with the board design, layout and lab teams for board power design reviews, characterization and validation.

The Hardware Engineering team is an interdisciplinary team including: board design, mechanical engineering, signal integrity, PCB layout, and validation test. You will also collaborate cross‑functionally with product management, software, operations and quality assurance.

Your Impact

• Board level Power Design : Using a system level approach be able to contribute by making power solution recommendations for CPU subsystems, network switching chips and other devices using LDOs, switching regulators etc using requirements from the board designer. Have the ability to generate sample schematics, review board layouts and help with system bring up.
• System Validation Testing: Execute comprehensive validation test plans utilizing automated test suites to characterize DC/DC converters.
• Test Automation: Develop and maintain test scripts to interface with lab equipment for automated, high-throughput data collection. Leverage AI where possible for further automation and analysis of results.
• Root Cause Analysis: Troubleshoot power system issues including transient response, stability, and thermal management

Qualifications

• 1. Lab Instrumentation & Measurement
  • Precision Equipment: Knowledge and operation of Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Oscilloscopes, Digital Multimeters (DMM), Programmable AC/DC Power Supplies.
  • Power Analysis: Familiarity with Arbitrary Waveform Generator (Arb) for power circuit testing(Required). Hands‑on experience with the Keysight N6705 DC Power Analyzer is preferred.
  • Dynamic Loading: Experience configuring Electronic Loads (E-loads) for transient and steady‑state load profiling.
• 2. Automation & Software
  • Python Programming: Demonstrated ability to write scripts for test automation.(Required)
  • Instrument Control: Proficiency in using PyVISA or SCPI commands to communicate with and control lab hardware. (Required)
  • Environment Scripting: Experience with windows batch files and linux shell scripting for automated test environment setup and execution. (Required)
• 3. Power Electronics & Analog Design - Required
  • DC/DC Topologies: In‑depth knowledge of Buck, Boost, and LDO regulators, including feedback loop stability and efficiency analysis.
  • Passive Component Characterization: Advanced understanding of capacitors (MLCC, Tantalum, Polymer) and inductors, specifically their frequency‑dependent characteristics (ESR, ESL) and DC/AC bias effects.
  • Semiconductor Fundamentals: Strong grasp of transistor theory (MOSFETs, BJTs) for switching and linear applications.
  • General Analog: Proficiency in analog circuit fundamentals, including operational amplifiers and sensing circuits.
• 4. Experience working in new product development teams. Networking product experience preferred.

Required Experience

• Education: B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience: 2-3 years in power validation test or power electronics design.
• Problem Solving: A proven track record of troubleshooting hardware-software interface issues.

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/com-missioned 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.

$124,500.00 - $201,300.00/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. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.