Sr Staff AI-ML Data Scientist (ADEM)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 228,075; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is looking for a talented Sr. Staff AI-ML / Data Scientist to anchor our next-generation AIOps platform. This role involves bridging AI research with production software engineering and mentoring teams in developing advanced reasoning systems.

Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience, strong Python skills, and a BS/MS in a relevant field. The compensation ranges from $141,000.00 to $228,075.00 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in software engineering with experience deploying production-grade ML or agentic workflows.
• Strong Python, Go, or Java proficiency for backend microservices.
• Hands-on experience with SQL and building/managing scalable data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of ML/LLM/GenAI-powered agents.
• Build advanced reasoning pipelines and retrieval systems.
• Drive end-to-end solution development from prototype to production.

Skills

Software engineering

Python

Go

Java

SQL

BigQuery

Dataflow

GKE

Retrieval systems

Statistical modeling

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Job Summary

Palo Alto Networks' ADEM group is seeking an accomplished Sr. Staff AI-ML / Data Scientist to serve as a principal technical anchor for our next-generation AIOps platform. In this role, you will bridge the gap between advanced AI research and production-grade backend software engineering, turning massive system telemetry into autonomous, self-healing capabilities. You will lead the technical design of intelligent, agentic workflows while simultaneously playing a pivotal role in our core backend rearchitecture. This role is ideal for a hands‑on technical leader who thrives on building advanced reasoning systems, optimizing large‑scale data foundations, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver planet‑scale impact.

Your Impact

• Lead the design and implementation of ML/LLM/GenAI-powered agents capable of planning, multi-step execution, self-correction, and seamless collaboration with humans or other agents.
• Build advanced reasoning pipelines, retrieval systems (RAG), and knowledge graph integrations that support autonomous task execution and network troubleshooting.
• Build, fine‑tune, or adapt LLMs, multimodal models, and specialized agent models. Successfully integrate traditional AI/ML and statistical models into these agentic workflows to handle complex endpoint telemetry.
• Drive end-to-end solution development from prototype to production, ensuring maximum scalability, reliability, safety, observability, and performance.
• Establish best practices for prompt design, agent memory management, tool usage, and context optimization within the agent ecosystem.
• Continuously evaluate emerging agent frameworks, LLM tooling, and generative AI technologies to inform platform architecture and roadmap decisions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in software engineering, with a track record of deploying production‑grade ML, GenAI, or agentic workflows at scale.
• Strong Python (for AI/ML) combined with professional Go or Java experience for backend microservices.
• Hands‑on experience with SQL, designing and restructuring BigQuery schemas, and building/managing scalable data pipelines using Dataflow, Google ADK and GKE.
• Solid understanding of retrieval systems (RAG), prompt engineering, model evaluation, and statistical modeling.
• Ability to build platform‑level services that integrate cleanly with adjacent ecosystems (e.g., Prisma Access, Cortex).
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of L3-L7 networking is desirable.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. 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.

$141,000.00 - $228,075.00/yr

Immigration Sponsorship

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes

EEO Statements

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.