Sr Principal Software Engineer (Cloud Applications - Data Path)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking experienced engineers to design and develop device identity and other security features for the next-generation firewalls. You will collaborate with product management to translate user requirements into robust software solutions.

You will work on high-performance networking software, leveraging C under Linux, with Go and Python familiarity, and contribute across the full software development lifecycle in a dynamic, security-focused team.

Qualifications

• Proficient in C programming under Linux; Go and Python experience preferred.
• Experience with multi-threaded, distributed, high-performance software design.
• Experience with TCP/IP networking software development.
• Experience with Redis or NoSQL databases preferred.
• Willingness to leverage AI to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• 7+ years in security or networking industry.

Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, develop and improve the Next-Generation Firewall, focusing on device identity solutions.
• Own and be responsible for critical components in the Next-Generation Firewall system.
• Deliver features and improvements in high quality and performance.
• Collaborate with product management, QA and field support across the SDLC.

Skills

C programming under Linux

Go

Python

Multi-threaded programming

TCP/IP networking

AI for productivity

Education

B.S. in Computer Science

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Redis

NoSQL databases

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

Our Team

In the Layer-7 Security Software team, we are responsible for at least one, often two to three headline features in every PANOS release. Our code reaches many product lines in the company, and is the critical part of delivering the highest revenue licenses the company offers. Our core Application Identification and Content Inspection Engine runs on Hardware, Virtualized, Container and Cloud-delivered firewalls. Any features that require the inspection or extraction of layer-7 network payload depends on our engine. We are also developing the latest Cloud-delivered Layer-7 security infrastructure. We design and develop key innovative security features such as the industry first Machine Learning powered NGFW, Credential Phishing prevention, URL-filtering, Cloud-delivered Data leak protection (DLP), and many more exciting features.

Are you looking to tackle a variety of challenging problems across the network, firewall, and Cloud platforms with a team of collaborative and experienced software engineers? Are you eager to expand to and innovate in the latest security platforms and delivery technologies in the industry? Would you like to be part of a fast moving and engaging team that executes and delivers cutting edge features like a start-up but with the support of an established leading security company?

We're seeking innovators - engineers who seek to design new products, designing state-of-the-art products that do not exist today. These engineers love to code with a drive to build global products and bring new ideas to develop security disciplines to solve real-world problems. We are looking for leaders who take ownership of their areas of focus and who are driven to pursue problems at every level. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture and we need engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with multi-functional teams towards achieving a common goal.

Job Summary

As a key member of Layer-7 Security group, you will be responsible for designing and developing device identity solutions, and other security features on the next-generation firewalls. You will work with product management on user requirements, apply your knowledge to functional design, utilize your programming skills for efficient and robust implementation, and interact with quality assurance and field support teams throughout the entire software development cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, develop and improve the Next-Generation Firewall in terms of functionality and performance, working on device identity solutions
• Own and be responsible for critical components in the Next-Generation Firewall system
• Deliver features and improvements in critical components in high quality and performance
• As an expert on networking and security, work closely with team members and cross-team to design and architect innovative solutions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Proficient in C programming under Linux development environment. Additionally, Go, python experience preferred
• Experience with multi-threaded programming and large-scale, distributed, and/or high-performance software design and architecture
• Experience with TCP/IP networking software development
• Experience with Redis or NoSQL database preferred
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI to maximize productivity and operational efficiency
• B.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline or equivalent practical experience, plus two or more years of relevant industry experience, Graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Computer Science or similar technical discipline or equivalent military experience is preferred
• Minimum 7 years professional experience in security or networking industry
• Teammate who brings a can-do attitude to a dynamic working environment and is comfortable learning new technologies and platforms

#LI-TD12

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.

$170,000.00 - $277,000.00/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