Sr Principal Software Engineer

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 184,000 - 297,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior Principal Device Security Engineer to lead research and deliver robust protections for customers. You will design software components, drive AI-driven innovations, and coordinate cross-functional efforts across product, field, and security teams.

You will apply threat intelligence, analyze network traffic and device behaviors, and mentor engineers while shaping the future of device security within a global cybersecurity leader.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in security or networking.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, Go or Java.
• Experience with security vulnerability detection and malware analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software components for Device Security content used by customer-facing features.
• Provide domain expertise to inform product management for new features.
• Build tools and frameworks to automate data collection and threat intelligence collection.
• Support field and customer requests for security incidents and new threats; generate reports.
• Assist marketing and product teams with Device Security trends and reports.
• Drive innovations by applying AI and LLM technologies.
• Analyze network traffic and device behaviors in-depth.
• Collaborate on cross-functional projects to coordinate research efforts.
• Support customer trials and handle complex security-related issues.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Go

Java

Networking

Security knowledge

Education

Degree in Computer Science or similar

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.

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

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

We have the vision of a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. These aren’t easy goals to accomplish – but we’re not here for easy. We’re here for better. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Your Career

You will work with a team of amazing device identification and security professionals to help identify, monitor, and protect the ever-growing number of connected devices in our vast customer base. This is one of the fastest-growing areas of cybersecurity today, and we offer a great opportunity to help shape this landscape and make a real impact in securing the future of Device Security.

Your Impact

As a senior principal level Device Security Engineer, you will:

• Design and develop software components to provide Device Security content needed by customer facing features
• Provide domain expertise and input to inform product management team to design new features that best serve our customers
• Build tools and framework to automate data collection and threat and vulnerability intelligence collection
• Support requests from the field teams and the customers in response to their security incidents, new trending threats or malware campaigns, forensics offered by the Device Security platform, and generate customized reports
• Support marketing and product management teams in generating Device Security trends, statistics and reports
• Drive innovations by applying the latest AI and LLM technologies.
• Conduct deep analysis of network traffic and device behaviors.
• Collaborate on cross-functional projects to lead and coordinate research efforts.
• Support customer trials and handle complex security-related issues.

Qualifications

Your Experience

• Degree: A Degree in Computer Science or similar fields.
• Experience: 12+ years of work experience in related fields.
• Networking: Good knowledge of computer networking in general, and Ethernet and TCP/IP in particular.
• Programming: Strong programming skills in languages such as C/C++, Python, Go, or Java.
• Security Domain Knowledge: Experience in one or more of the following is highly valued:
  • Security vulnerability detection and monitoring
  • Malware attack analysis
  • IDS/IPS and application-based firewalls
  • Network device discovery tools
• Soft Skills: Good communication skills, a creative thinker, and a team player with a passion for computer networking and security.

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.

$183,600.00 - $297,000.00/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