Sr Staff Software Engineer (Xpanse)

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior Architect to lead the next generation of our network scanning platform. You will own architectural vision, set standards, and guide cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable security solutions.

You will tackle complex problems like high-throughput data ingestion into BigQuery and GCS, optimize memory usage in containerized environments, and drive zero-downtime deployments with FedRAMP considerations.

Qualifications

• Architectural leadership for next-gen network scanning platform.
• Proven ability to design scalable, robust security solutions.
• Experience with vulnerability scanners and related tooling.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute a technical vision for the platform.
• Solve complex engineering challenges (SSH pooling, memory optimization, data ingestion).
• Enhance scanner intelligence and compatibility with detection tools.
• Own software lifecycle end-to-end with high availability and compliance.
• Mentor engineers and promote engineering excellence.

Skills

Leadership

System architecture

Problem solving

Mentorship

Tools

BigQuery

GCS

OpenVAS

Nuclei

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.

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

• Architectural Leadership: Establish and execute a clear technical vision for the next generation of our network scanning platform
• Complex Problem Solving: Design and implement simple, robust solutions for diverse engineering challenges such as SSH connection pooling, memory optimization in containerized environments, and large-scale data ingestion into BigQuery and GCS.
• Vulnerability Expertise: Enhance scanner intelligence by developing features like path/CPE surfacing for findings and ensuring compatibility with industry-standard detection tools (OpenVAS, Nuclei).
• Production Excellence: Take full ownership of the software lifecycle, ensuring zero-downtime deployments and FedRAMP compliance while acting as a tier-4 escalation point for critical production outages.
• Mentorship: Elevate the entire engineering organization by conducting rigorous design and code reviews, mentoring staff and senior engineers, and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.

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.

• /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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.