Sr. Principal Solution Architect

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 223,000 - 306,500; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a visionary Sr. Principal Solution Architect to lead AI-driven transformation of our quote-to-cash enterprise ecosystem. You will bridge CPQ business needs with emergent AI capabilities, shaping scalable, secure architectures across multiple systems.

You will apply a first-principles mindset to embed intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning into CPQ workflows while guiding cross-functional teams toward a unified technical strategy.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, software engineering, or technical consulting, with at least 5+ years at a Principal Architect level.
• Proven understanding of CPQ business processes, product catalog modeling, and quoting workflows, plus AI optimization of the sales-to-fulfillment cycle.
• Proven track record of designing complex integrations across large-scale enterprise ecosystems (CRM to ERP to Provisioning).
• First-principles mindset to strip away assumptions and build innovative solutions.
• Executive presence with the ability to translate technical concepts for C-suite executives and drive consensus.
• Self-starter with autonomy, capable of thriving in ambiguity and driving initiatives to completion.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach and low ego.
• Experience using AI-driven coding tools or low-code environments to explore data structures and automate sales-ops workflows.

Responsibilities

• AI-infused architectural leadership: drive end-to-end technical architecture for CPQ initiatives, embedding AI/ML capabilities (dynamic pricing, intelligent guided selling, anomaly detection).
• Cross-functional alignment: partner with Finance, Provisioning, Sales Ops, and IT to align business strategy with technical execution.
• Enterprise integration: design holistic integration strategies across CRM, ERP, Billing, and Provisioning systems.
• Champion best practices: enforce design principles that prioritize security, high availability, performance, and scalability.
• Connect the dots: identify dependencies, risks, and synergies across domains and ongoing projects.
• Collaborative mentorship: guide and elevate junior architects, developers, and engineers.
• Drive AI architecture and excellence across the tech stack.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

CPQ domain & AI application

Systems thinking

First-principles mindset

Executive presence

Self-starter mentality

Team-oriented

AI-driven tooling

Tools

APIs

Event-driven architectures

Middleware

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 a visionary, future‑focused Sr. Principal Solution Architect to lead the solution strategy, architectural design, and AI‑driven transformation of our quote‑to‑cash and broader enterprise ecosystem. In this highly visible role, you will serve as the strategic bridge between core CPQ business needs and emerging AI capabilities.

You will not just be designing traditional system configurations; you will be applying a first‑principles mindset to embed intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning into our core CPQ workflows. By understanding the deep domain nuances of CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) and its downstream impacts, you will connect the dots across disparate systems. You will partner with cross‑functional teams to build a unified, scalable, and AI‑optimized technical solution architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• AI‑Infused Architectural Leadership: Drive the end‑to‑end technical architecture for our CPQ initiatives, proactively embedding AI and machine learning capabilities (e.g., dynamic pricing optimization, intelligent guided selling, and automated contract anomaly detection).

• Cross‑Functional Alignment: Act as a strategic partner to the business. Bring leaders from Finance, Provisioning, Sales Operations, and IT along on the journey, bridging the gap between business strategy and technical execution to create a unified architecture.

• Enterprise Integration: Design holistic integration strategies. You will look beyond CPQ to understand how it interacts with the entire enterprise ecosystem, including CRM, ERP, Billing, and downstream Provisioning systems.

• Champion Best Practices: Establish and enforce best‑in‑class industry design principles. Ensure all solutions prioritize security, high availability, performance, and scalability.

• Connect the Dots: Proactively identify dependencies, risks, and synergies across different technical domains and ongoing projects. Ensure isolated systems are woven into a cohesive, streamlined architecture.

• Collaborative Mentorship: Act as a self‑starter and a core team collaborator. Guide, mentor, and elevate the technical capabilities of junior architects, developers, and engineers.

• Player coach mindset to drive technical and functional architecture to drive AI architecture and excellence.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Extensive Experience: 15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, software engineering, or technical consulting, with at least 5+ years functioning at a Principal Architect level.

• CPQ Domain & AI Application: Profound understanding of CPQ business processes, product catalog modeling, and quoting workflows, paired with a proven understanding of how AI can optimize the sales‑to‑fulfillment cycle.

• Systems Thinking & Integration: Proven track record of designing complex integrations (APIs, event‑driven architectures, middleware) across large‑scale enterprise ecosystems (CRM to ERP to Provisioning).

• First‑Principles Mindset: Ability to strip away assumptions, drill down to the fundamental truths of a business or technical problem, and build innovative solutions upward.

• Executive Presence: Exceptional communication skills. You are comfortable translating deeply technical concepts into business value for C‑suite executives and driving consensus among diverse stakeholders.

• Self‑Starter Mentality: High level of autonomy and initiative. You thrive in ambiguity, take ownership of challenges, and independently drive initiatives to completion.

• Team‑Oriented: A strong collaborator who believes that the best architectures are built through shared knowledge, low ego, and teamwork.

• Experience using AI‑driven coding tools or low‑code environments to explore data structures and automate repetitive sales‑ops workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced AI & Data Architecture: Hands‑on experience designing architectures that utilize Large Language Models, Agentic frameworks and Vector Databases within an enterprise context.

• Platform Certifications: Recognized architectural certifications in leading enterprise platforms.

• Complex Industry Experience: Proven experience navigating the unique Quote‑to‑Cash complexities of high‑volume or highly configurable industries, such as SaaS, Telecommunications, or Advanced Manufacturing.

• Experience with building Custom application.

• Experience with Agile development methodologies (Scrum/Kanban).

• Prior experience working in a Principal or Director‑level capacity, demonstrating ownership over a significant product area.

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‑commissioned 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.

$223,000.00 - $306,500.00 per year

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