Sr. Staff Security Researcher

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 139,600 - 225,775; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated security researcher to join their growing security team. The selected candidate will be responsible for tracking malware and designing innovative detection mechanisms while leading machine learning projects to protect systems and customers.

This hands-on role merges skills in threat research and software engineering, requiring 4+ years of experience, along with MS/PhD in a related field. The company offers a competitive salary package and values diversity and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in research or engineering roles.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Go, or C++.
• Experience in threat detection using machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze emerging threats and malware.
• Develop innovative detection mechanisms.
• Lead software development for security solutions.
• Manage machine learning projects for threat detection.
• Publish research findings in technical and industry forums.

Skills

Threat research

Machine learning

Software development

Malware analysis

Programming (Python, Go, C++)

Education

MS/PhD in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

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 motivated and experienced security researcher to join our growing security team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to combat the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats. You will be responsible for tracking malware and threat trends, designing and building innovative detection mechanisms, and leading the development of machine learning models to protect our systems and customers. This is a hands-on role that requires a unique blend of skills in threat research, software engineering, and machine learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Threat & Malware Analysis: Proactively track and research emerging threat actors, malware families, and attack techniques. Analyze threat data to identify trends and patterns, and translate this intelligence into actionable detection strategies.

• Innovative Detection Development: Find and develop novel methods for detecting threats across our environment. This includes static and dynamic analysis, behavioral monitoring, and heuristic-based detection.

• Full-Cycle Software Engineering: Participate in and lead the complete software development lifecycle for our security solutions. This includes gathering requirements, architecting, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and providing operational support for the tools and systems you build.

• Machine Learning Leadership: Lead end-to-end machine learning projects for threat detection. This encompasses defining the model architecture, sourcing and preparing data, building and managing training pipelines, deploying models into production, and monitoring their performance.

• Research & Publication: Disseminate research findings and contribute to the security community by publishing results in technical blogs, industry white papers, and academic papers.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• MS/PhD degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 4+ years of experience in a research or engineering role, such as system security, threat research, malware/code analysis or vulnerability research.

• Proven experience in the complete software development lifecycle, with proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, Go, C++).

• Demonstrated experience in leading machine learning projects, including a strong understanding of model development, data preprocessing, and deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven track of top tier publications in cybersecurity related areas is a big plus.

• Solid understanding of the threat landscape, including common attack vectors, malware techniques, and threat actor tactics is a plus.

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.

$139,600.00 - $225,775.00/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.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability.

In order to request assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact [e-mail].

EEO Confidentiality

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