Staff/Sr. Staff AI Engineer - Enterprise AI Solutions

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 157,200 - 254,100; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Staff/Sr. Staff AI Engineer for Enterprise AI Solutions in Santa Clara, CA. This role involves leading the design and implementation of AI-powered solutions, mentoring other engineers, and optimizing AI systems for performance and scalability. Candidates should have 8+ years in software engineering with substantial AI/ML experience, proficiency in Python and C++, and a relevant degree. The position offers competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in software engineering with 5+ years in Data Science/AI/ML.
• Experience deploying enterprise AI/ML systems.
• Understanding of the AI lifecycle.
• Experience with distributed systems and streaming data.
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of AI solutions.
• Develop core components of the enterprise AI/ML platform.
• Optimize large-scale AI/ML systems for performance and reliability.
• Evaluate and integrate new AI tools and frameworks.
• Mentor AI/ML engineers and lead design discussions.

Skills

Software engineering

Data Science

AI/ML experience

Python

C++

Generative AI

Communication skills

Education

Masters/Bachelors in Computer Science

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Job description

Job Summary

As a Staff/Sr. Staff AI Engineer for Enterprise AI Solutions, you will be a critical technical leader responsible for the hands‑on design, development, and implementation of AI‑powered solutions that solve challenging business problems across IT and various enterprise functions (Sales, Marketing, Finance, HR, Legal, etc.). You will work closely with Principal and Distinguished Architects to translate high‑level strategies into concrete AI solution designs and robust, scalable, and ethical implementations. This role demands deep technical expertise, a strong ability to solve complex problems, and a commitment to mentoring other engineers, leveraging our Enterprise AI Platform to deliver measurable business impact.

Your Impact

AI Solution Implementation: Lead the design and implementation of AI solutions, translating business problems into AI designs, and managing model selection, data requirements, and integration for AI applications.

Platform Development: Develop and implement core components of the enterprise AI/ML platform, ensuring scalability and security. Contribute to the lifecycle of traditional and Generative AI model deployment and real‑time inference systems.

System Optimization: Design and optimize large‑scale AI/ML systems for performance, reliability, and developer‑friendliness, focusing on low latency and high throughput in real‑time AI applications.

Technology Adoption: Evaluate and integrate new AI tools, frameworks, and cloud solutions, aligning with architectural guidelines. Lead POCs for emerging AI innovations.

Architectural Best Practices: Champion design standards and best practices for AI systems, guiding junior engineers.

Technical Leadership: Mentor AI/ML engineers, lead design discussions, and perform code reviews, fostering engineering excellence.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Data Scientists, ML Engineers, Product Managers, and IT stakeholders to develop production‑grade AI solutions.

Responsible AI & Quality: Ensure AI systems comply with responsible AI principles and security policies. Implement automated testing and monitoring.

Innovation & Research: Apply cutting‑edge AI/ML techniques to solve problems and improve solutions, staying updated on advancements in Generative AI and LLMs.

Your Experience

• 8+ years in software engineering, with 5+ years in Data science/AI/ML experience. We are open to both a Staff/Sr Staff level; Final leveling will be based on overall years of applied experience and overall interview performance.
• Experience deploying enterprise AI/ML systems.
• Understanding of the AI lifecycle.
• Experience with distributed systems and streaming data.
• Hands‑on experience with Generative AI and LLMs.
• Proficiency in AI/ML frameworks and cloud platforms.
• Strong programming skills (Python and C++).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Masters/Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning or related computation field.
• Experience with open‑source AI projects.
• Prior technical lead role for AI/ML projects.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles for AI.

What we are looking for

Deep Technical Expertise: Strong foundation in machine learning (theory and application), deep learning, statistical modeling, and relevant programming languages (Python, R) and libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn).

Proven Research & Innovation: Track record of conceiving and executing novel research, publishing in top‑tier conferences/journals, or delivering innovative AI solutions with significant business impact.

System Design & Scalability: Ability to design, build, and deploy scalable and robust AI systems. Understanding of MLOps and data engineering principles.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Excellent analytical skills to tackle complex, ambiguous problems and break them down into manageable parts.

Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in leading projects, guiding junior team members, and influencing technical direction.

Communication & Collaboration: Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences (technical and non‑technical) and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.

Business Acumen & Impact Focus: Understanding of how AI can drive business value and ability to translate research/technical work into tangible outcomes.

Continuous Learning: Passion for staying up‑to‑date with the latest advancements in AI.

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 (https://benefits.paloaltonetworks.com/).

$157,200.00 - $254,100.00/yr

Accommodations

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].

EEO Statement

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.

Immigration Sponsorship

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes