Sr. Principal Software Engineer - Network Security - PanOS

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

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking innovative engineers to design and develop security features for our next‑generation firewalls. As a key member of the Layer 7 Security group, you will take ownership of focus areas, applying your programming skills to solve real‑world security problems.

You will collaborate with product management, quality assurance, and field support across the entire software development cycle, and bring new ideas to the security discipline.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of professional software engineering experience with leadership roles.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ on Unix-based platforms.
• Solid understanding of development methodologies and agile practices.

Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, and develop security features for next‑gen firewalls (Layer 7).
• Develop specifications, assess requirements, and support development and debugging.
• Suggest improvements to the development process and communicate goals clearly.
• Mentor and coach new team members and identify performance bottlenecks.

Skills

C & C++

Unix-based platforms

Leadership experience

Agile practices

Version control

Education

Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

TLS

Web proxies

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

We are seeking innovative engineers to design and develop security features for our next‑generation firewalls. As a key member of the Layer‑7 Security group, you will take ownership of your focus areas, applying your programming skills to solve real‑world security problems. You will collaborate with multi‑functional teams—including product management, quality assurance, and field support—throughout the entire software development cycle. This role requires a drive to build global products and a passion for bringing new ideas to the security discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, and develop new security features in our next‑generation firewalls, focusing on Layer 7 identity and inspection.
• Develop functional specifications, assess task requirements and scheduling, and assist in development, debugging, and support.
• Suggest and implement improvements to the development process.
• Clearly communicate goals and desired outcomes to internal project teams.
• Interview, mentor, and coach new team members.
• Identify performance bottlenecks and continuously implement improvements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical/military experience.
• 12+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant time in senior technical leadership roles.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages on Unix‑based platforms.
• Solid understanding of software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• In‑depth knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, and familiarity with security protocols such as TLS and L4‑L7 protocols.
• Experience working with TLS and Web proxies.
• Experience in developing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and security.
• Excellent understanding of various AI agents and ability to use them as a co‑pilot.

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.

$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.

Accommodations

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].

Equal Opportunity

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.

EEO Statement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Immigration Sponsorship

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? Yes