Threat Research Lead, National Security

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 172,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Threat Researcher for the NATSEC team. You will own high-level threat research across nation-state and cybercrime landscapes, delivering rapid analyses during major events and mentoring junior analysts.

This fully remote role collaborates across geographies while embedding findings to protect national security missions. Responsibilities include leading independent threat research initiatives, translating complex findings for national security

Qualifications

• 7+ years of threat intelligence experience focused on ransomware, nation-state, cybercrime, and supply-chain risks.
• Expert understanding of adversary attack lifecycles, TTPs, and high-fidelity indicators of compromise.
• Experience with data analysis tools including passive DNS, network infrastructure analysis, and host-based information analysis.
• Knowledge of scripting languages to facilitate data collection and analysis.
• Proven ability to lead tasks and projects independently with recommendations for process improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills for navigating complex situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Collect, correlate, and analyze threat data from global datasets to craft cohesive intelligence stories.
• Lead threat research initiatives by designing, developing, and maintaining tools and workflows.
• Translate complex technical findings into clear assessments for national security stakeholders.
• Perform pivot analysis across datasets to map C2 infrastructure and identify TTPs.
• Provide rapid threat analysis during major cyber events and deliver actionable RFIs.
• Collaborate with internal research teams, product engineering, consulting, and sales for strategic alignment.

Skills

Threat intelligence

Ransomware

Nation-state

Cybercrime

Supply-chain risk

Data analysis

Leadership

Scripting languages

Tools

Passive DNS

Network infrastructure analysis

Host-based information analysis

Job description

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a Principal Threat Researcher for the NATSEC team. You will own high-level threat research across nation-state and cybercrime landscapes, delivering rapid analyses during major events and mentoring junior analysts.

This fully remote role collaborates across geographies while embedding findings to protect national security missions. Responsibilities include leading independent threat research initiatives, translating complex findings for national security