Dir, Technical Project Management

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

This role is remote, but distance is no barrier to impact. Our hybrid teams collaborate across geographies to solve big problems, stay close to our customers, and grow together. You will be part of a culture that values trust, accountability, and shared success where your work truly matters.

Job Description

The TeamOur engineering team is at the core of our products and connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. We are constantly innovating - challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity. Our engineers don't shy away from building products to solve problems no one has pursued before.We define the industry instead of waiting for directions. We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of a challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment.Job SummaryThe Director of R&D Program Management is the organizational authority for program execution and delivery discipline across all R&D. Reporting to the SR Dir. of R&D Operations.This leader defines and governs the R&D Operating Model, the core practices, processes, and systems that ensure predictable delivery and cross-functional alignment. The role leads large-scale organizational transformation and applies deep change management expertise to improve the product release process significantly.The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an exceptional leader, and a strong collaborator who excels in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Management Leadership - Define the R&D Operating Model and lead program management for the organization. Establish unified planning, execution, risk-management, and reporting standards, and maintain the R&D Program Management PlaybookCross-Functional Delivery Ownership - Ensure predictable, on-time execution of strategic programs spanning multiple R&D groups. Build the governance mechanisms, escalation paths, and portfolio-level visibility needed for effective cross-group deliveryTransformation & Change Management - Lead the organizational transformation toward monthly release readiness and future continuous-delivery capabilities. Drive end-to-end change management, run maturity assessments, and deliver clear, data-driven progress reporting to executivesStrategic Program Execution & People Leadership - Own execution of the most complex, high-risk cross-functional programs. Mentor and scale the Program Management team, set the execution bar, and contribute to hiring, onboarding, and talent development discipline

Qualifications (Additional Job Description)

Required QualificationsProven technical background with hands-on experience managing R&D related processes such as program management, support management, and release management at scale. 10+ years of experience in leading R&D related processes, out of which at least 5 years in a large organizationExcellent cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with sales, product, and engineering teamsExceptional communication and leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead and inspire diverse, global teamsDemonstrated experience in process optimization, automation, and leveraging technology to enhance technical deploymentExtensive leadership in program management, supported by a strong technical background and hands-on experience managing R&D-related processes such as program management, change management, and release management. Includes 10+ years leading R&D operations, with at least 5 in a large-scale organizationDeep expertise in organizational transformation and change management, with a proven track record driving adoption of new operating models and delivery frameworks at scaleDemonstrated ability to lead high-impact, multi-group initiatives by establishing effective governance and ensuring predictable outcomes across engineering teamsStrong people-leadership skills, with experience managing direct reports and multiple program managers in a matrixed environment, mentoring teams, and building high-performing Program Management organizationsExceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a consistent ability to align engineering, product, operations, and executive stakeholders

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.