Sr Principal Software Engineer (L7 Security)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Restricted stock units

Employer-provided benefits

Bonus potential

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity company in Santa Clara seeks a skilled software engineer for their Layer-7 Security Software team. This role focuses on innovating and improving the Next-Generation Firewall and GlobalProtect application. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Computer Science, proficiency in C and Go programming, and experience in networking development. Join a collaborative team that values diversity and is at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, providing solutions to real-world problems. Attractive compensation ranges from $170,000 to $277,000 annually.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficient in C programming under Linux.
• Experience with Go programming and HTTP backend development.
• Knowledge of networking development (TCP/UDP, socket programming).
• Familiarity with Redis, SQL, or NoSQL databases.

Responsibilities

• Innovate and improve the Next-Generation Firewall and GlobalProtect.
• Own critical components in the firewall system.
• Work closely with teams to design and architect solutions.

Skills

C programming under Linux

Go programming

HTTP and web server backend development

TCP/UDP and socket programming

Redis, SQL or NoSQL databases

Multi-threaded programming

Large-scale, distributed software design

Communication skills

Education

B.S. degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Computer Science

Job description

Overview

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 meaningful work alongside people who are passionate, 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 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 impact. We invite you to join us if you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and brightest.

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

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 core part of delivering the highest revenue licenses. Our core Application Identification and Content Inspection Engine runs on hardware, virtualized, container and cloud-delivered firewalls. Features requiring inspection or extraction of layer-7 network payload depend 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 more.

Are you looking to tackle 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? Would you like to be part of a fast-moving and engaging team that delivers cutting-edge features with startup-like energy and the support of an established leading security company?

We are seeking innovators who design new products and state-of-the-art solutions that do not exist today. These engineers code with a drive to build global products and bring new ideas to advance security disciplines solving real-world problems. We are looking for leaders who take ownership of their focus areas and 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 toward a common goal.

As a key member of the Layer-7 Security group, you will be responsible for designing and developing GlobalProtect, one of the best and most popular secure network connection applications, and other security features on next-generation firewalls. You will work with product management on user requirements, apply your knowledge to functional design, leverage your programming skills for efficient and robust implementation, and interact with quality assurance and field support teams throughout the software development life cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, develop and improve the Next-Generation Firewall in terms of functionality and performance, working on GlobalProtect
• 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

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline or equivalent practical experience; Graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Computer Science or similar technical discipline is preferred or equivalent military experience required
• Proficient in C programming under Linux development environment
• Experience with Go programming
• Experience with HTTP and web server backend development
• Experience with networking development, e.g., TCP/UDP, socket programming
• Experience with Redis, SQL or NoSQL databases
• Experience with multi-threaded programming and large-scale, distributed, and/or high-performance software design
• A can-do teammate who is comfortable learning new technologies and platforms
• Verbal and written communication skills to work with multi-functional groups

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