Staff Software Engineer - (Future Opportunities)

Palo Alto Networks; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking experienced software engineers to build security-focused products and services. You will join an R&D-focused team delivering AV/AI-powered solutions across Strata, Prisma, and Cortex, collaborating with peers to advance cybersecurity capabilities.

You will work on modern languages, scalable systems, and AI-driven tooling, with opportunities to influence architecture and engineering practices while growing your expertise in security technologies.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field; 3–5 years of software engineering experience.
• Proficiency in one or more modern languages (Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, Go, C/C++).
• Strong CS fundamentals: distributed systems, data structures, algorithms, OS.
• Knowledge of SDLC and Git; problem solving and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• 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 to boost productivity and code quality.
• Help define and evolve engineering practices that leverage AI for code generation, testing, documentation, and refactoring.
• Write clean, maintainable code and participate in peer reviews and design discussions.
• Contribute to automation of development, deployment, and monitoring as part of a DevOps culture.
• Continuously learn and apply new AI technologies to improve workflows.
• Participate in team retrospectives to drive improvements in velocity and quality.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/TypeScript

Java

Go

C/C++

Distributed systems

Algorithms

Git

Agile/DevOps

Education

BS/MS/PhD degree in CS/SE/ML/Cybersecurity

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

Cloud (GCP/AWS/Azure)

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

Our Engineering team is at the core of our products and connected services. As part of this team, you will work with the best and brightest in the industry to build technologies that are changing the way people consume security and work in the digital age. Our engineers are empowered to be innovative and collaborative, solving the world’s most challenging cybersecurity threats.

You will join a Research and Development (R&D) team that will give you the opportunity to make a global impact. One that protects our way of life in the digital age by preventing successful cyber attacks. This team is looking for engineers who are passionate about technology, have an interest in cybersecurity, and want to make a positive difference. In this role, you will gain hands‑on experience working on products ranging from our Strata, Prisma, and Cortex organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, and refactoring.
• Write clean, maintainable code and actively participate in peer reviews and team design discussions to ensure alignment.
• 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

Required

• BS/MS/PhD degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or a similar technical field, with 3-5 years of professional/equivalent software engineering experience
• Strong programming skills in one or more modern programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, Go, C/C++)
• Solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, including distributed systems, data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
• Solid understanding of software development lifecycles (e.g., agile, DevOps) and version control tools like Git.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and a willingness to ask questions and work openly with others.

Preferred

• Exposure to large language models (LLMs) or AI/ML APIs, even through personal projects.
• Familiarity with cloud environments (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure) and containerized development (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with modern developer tools such as CI/CD pipelines, observability platforms, and infrastructure-as-code.
• A keen interest in Cybersecurity and protecting the digital world.

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.