Sr Staff Engineer (Machine Learning)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 299,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Sr Principal ML Engineer to lead the development of a cutting-edge Behavior Analytics system. You will blend robust backend engineering with machine learning to build and deploy scalable models that enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.

You will design ML pipelines, integrate them into production, and work with product, QA, DevOps, and support teams to deliver reliable solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of Python for backend systems; ML experience preferred; 10+ years of software development.
• Strong ML framework experience (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with cloud-native service development on GCP is a plus.
• Solid RESTful API design and microservices architecture.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement ML models and pipelines for training, validation, and real-time inference.
• Optimize existing ML models and pipelines.
• Ensure smooth production integration with performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Build automation tools for CI/CD of backend and ML components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align development with business needs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend and ML issues.
• Ensure code quality, security, and data privacy best practices.
• Maintain architecture, API, and ML integration documentation.

Skills

Python backend

ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

RESTful API design

Cloud: GCP

Software development experience

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Fast learning

Education

M.S./B.S. in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

GCP Cloud

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 highly experienced Sr Principal ML Engineer with a good understanding of machine learning principles and algorithms to join our team and drive the development of our User and Entity Behavior Analysis with AI. In this role, you will combine robust backend engineering expertise with machine learning expertise to build, deploy, and maintain a cutting-edge Behavior Analytics system that enhances user experiences and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement new ML models and pipeline to support efficient model training, validation, and real-time inference.

• Optimize the existing ML models and pipeline

• Ensure smooth integration of ML solutions into production systems, focusing on performance, reliability, and scalability.

• Build automation tools for continuous integration, delivery, and deployment of backend and ML components.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (product, QA, DevOps, and customer support) to align development efforts with business needs.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues that arise within both the backend infrastructure and ML models.

• Ensure code quality, security, and data privacy by following industry best practices.

• Maintain clear and concise documentation for system architecture, API endpoints, and ML model integration processes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience using Python to build complex backend systems, ML experience is preferred. 10+ years of experience in software development

• Strong background on machine learning and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

• Experience with cloud-native service development stack on GCP is a plus

• Solid grasp of RESTful API design and micro services architecture.

• Skilled in diagnosing and solving complex problems while providing detailed technical analysis

• Attention to details and high behavioral standards

• Team player with can-do attitude to tackle difficult problems and you inspire your team to do the same

• High energy and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent collaboration and communication with multiple teams

• Fast learner and eager to absorb new emerging technologies

• M.S./B.S. degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience

#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.

$185,200.00 - $299,475.00/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. 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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.