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Palo Alto Networks

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Palo Alto Networks

Published 14 Feb 2026
Santa Clara, CA, USA
170K - 277K USD Annual
Full Time

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Role Highlights

Languages used

C++
Python
GO
Java

Key skills

Computer Science
Operating Systems
Information Security
AI
Research
LLMs
Malware

Tools, Libraries and Frameworks

IDS
IPS

Description

\\\\Our Mission\\\\ At Palo Alto Networks®, were united by a shared missionto 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 youre ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, youre 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. Thats why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when its needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes. \\\\Job Summary\\\\ \\\\Our Mission:\\\\ At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission: Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. We have the vision of a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. These arent easy goals to accomplish but were not here for easy. Were here for better. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and were looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are. \\\\Your Career:\\\\ You will work with a team of amazing device identification and security professionals to help identify, monitor, and protect the ever-growing number of connected devices in our vast customer base. This is one of the fastest-growing areas of cybersecurity today, and we offer a great opportunity to help shape this landscape and make a real impact in securing the future of Device Security. \\\\Your Impact\\\\ As a senior level Device Security Researcher, you will: \\+ Research and identify security vulnerabilities and threats across a wide range of devices, Operating Systems and software components. \\+ Drive innovation by applying the latest AI and LLM technologies to automated threat detection and device discovery. \\+ Conduct deep analysis of network traffic and device behaviors. \\+ Design and prototype security research tools and engine components for our cloud-based platforms. \\+ Collaborate on cross-functional projects to lead and coordinate research efforts. \\+ Support customer trials and handle complex security-related issues. \\\\The Team:\\\\ Were not your ordinary Information Security team. Were a diverse group of security professionals that accepts challenging the status quo in order to protect Palo Alto Networks and our customers. Driving innovation on the Information Security team of the fastest-growing high-tech cybersecurity company is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Youll be joined by the brightest minds in technology, and our global teams are on the front line of defense against cyberattacks. \\\\Our Commitment:\\\\ Were trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecuritys status quo. Its simple: we cant 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 . 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. \\\\Qualifications\\\\ \\+ Degree: A Degree in Computer Science or similar fields; a Ph.D. degree is a big plus. \\+ Experience: 5+ years of work experience in related fields. \\+ Research & Development: A strong background in security research combined with hands-on software development experience, particularly in system software development. \\+ Windows Expertise: Preference for candidates who understand Windows operating system security and programming. \\+ Modern AI: Demonstrated understanding and experience with using the latest AI/LLM technology. \\+ Networking: Good knowledge of computer networking in general, and Ethernet and TCP/IP in particular. \\+ Programming: Strong programming skills in languages such as C/C++, Python, Go, or Java. \\+ Security Domain Knowledge: Experience in one or more of the following is highly valued: \\+ Security vulnerability detection and monitoring \\+ Malware attack analysis \\+ IDS/IPS and application-based firewalls \\+ Network device discovery tools \\+ Soft Skills: Good communication skills, a creative thinker, and a team player with a passion for computer networking and security. \\\\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 () . $170,000.00 - $277,000.00/yr \\\\Our Commitment\\\\ Were trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecuritys status quo. Its simple: we cant 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 . 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?: Yes

Required Qualifications and Skills

A degree in Computer Science or similar fields is required, with a Ph.D. being a significant advantage. Candidates should possess over five years of work experience in related fields, including a strong background in security research and hands-on software development, particularly in system software. Proficiency in modern AI/LLM technology is essential, along with good knowledge of computer networking, specifically Ethernet and TCP/IP. Strong programming skills in languages such as C/C++, Python, Go, or Java are necessary. Experience in security vulnerability detection, malware attack analysis, IDS/IPS, application-based firewalls, or network device discovery tools is highly valued. Good communication skills, creative thinking, and a team-player attitude are also important.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Job and company description information and some of the data fields may have been generated via GPT-4 summarisation and could contain inaccuracies. The full external job listing link should always be relied on for authoritative information.

About the company

Palo Alto Networks

Size

14705

Founded

HQ

SANTA CLARA, US

Public/Private

Public Company

Description

Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, is shaping the cloud-centric future with technology that is transforming the way people and organizations operate. Our mission is to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. We help address the world's greatest security challenges with continuous innovation that seizes the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, analytics, automation, and orchestration. By delivering an integrated platform and empowering a growing ecosystem of partners, we are at the forefront of protecting tens of thousands of organizations across clouds, networks, and mobile devices. Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

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