Staff Software Engineer

Palo Alto Networks; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Staff Software Engineer in Santa Clara, CA. You will design, develop, and deploy software solutions using modern frameworks and AI-assisted tools to boost productivity and quality.

You’ll help evolve engineering practices, contribute to DevOps automation, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable software. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 2 years of experience in Staff Software Engineer or related position.
• Experience with Java, Python, distributed microservices, Docker, MongoDB, cloud-native apps and Redis.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy software solutions.
• Define and evolve engineering practices; contribute to DevOps automation.
• Apply AI-assisted tools to improve developer workflows and code quality.
• Participate in team retrospectives to improve velocity and product quality.

Skills

Java

Python

Distributed microservices

Docker

MongoDB

Cloud-native

Redis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

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

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to design, develop, and deploy software solutions, leveraging cutting‑edge technologies and AI‑assisted tools to drive productivity and software quality.

Your Career

In this role, you will help define and evolve engineering practices, contribute to DevOps automation, and apply new frameworks to enhance developer workflows.

Work Location

3000 Tannery Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054 (Telecommuting may be permitted. When not telecommuting, must report to worksite.)

Your Impact

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to design, develop, and deploy software solutions with agility and rapid iteration. Use and experiment with AI‑assisted development tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, internal agents) to boost productivity and improve code quality. Help define and evolve new engineering practices that leverage AI for code generation, testing, documentation, refactoring, and operations. Contribute to the automation of development, deployment, and monitoring processes as part of a DevOps culture. Continuously learn and apply new AI technologies, frameworks, and techniques that can enhance developer workflows. Participate in team retrospectives and help drive improvements in team velocity and product quality.

Qualifications

Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree or foreign degree equivalent in Computer Science, or related field.

Minimum Work Experience Required: 2 years of experience in the Staff Software Engineer, or any other related occupation, job title/position.

Your Experience / Minimum Skills Required:

• Java and Python.
• Distributed microservices architecture.
• Docker containerization.
• MongoDB.
• Cloud‑native applications.
• Redis.

The Team

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time (3 days a week at our Santa Clara headquarters), with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real‑time problem‑solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

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/commissioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.

Salary Range: $129,790.00 - $169,500.00 per year

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. PANW is not offering new employer‑sponsored immigration support to external applicants for this job opportunity. Please use this form to provide us with information that will help direct your request and find your data in all of our systems