Principal Automation Engineer
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 Are We
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
Your CareerWe are seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking Principal Quality Engineer to join our team in Santa Clara, US. This is a senior, hands-on technical role focused on driving our AI-First quality strategy. You will be instrumental in architecting, developing, and implementing sophisticated test automation frameworks. The ideal candidate is a deep technical expert with a passion for leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to revolutionize the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), from test automation and code generation to pioneering new quality paradigms.Your ImpactAI-Driven Test Strategy & Architecture: Design and implement a visionary test automation strategy that leverages AI/ML for intelligent test case generation, predictive quality analytics, and self-healing automation frameworks.Hands-On Test Automation Development: Lead the development of robust, scalable, and maintainable test automation frameworks from the ground up using languages like Python or Java. You will be writing code and setting the standard for the entire team.AI Fluency in Practice: Utilize generative AI and other AI-powered tools for efficient test code generation, synthetic data creation, and anomaly detection within our applications and CI/CD pipelines.Technical Leadership and Mentorship: Act as the foremost technical authority in quality engineering. Mentor and guide other engineers on best practices in software testing, automation, and the application of AI in QE.Drive AI-First SDLC: Champion and integrate an "AI-First" mindset throughout the software development lifecycle, influencing how we build, test, and release software.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Software Development, DevOps, and Product Management teams to embed quality into the development process and ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable products.Good hold on DevOps & non-prod Environment management (Architecture, Refresh strategy and automation, connectivity, Release train and env mgmt for optimal release strategy etc.)Continuous Improvement: Research, evaluate, and implement cutting-edge tools and technologies in test automation and AI to continuously enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
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Qualifications (Additional Job Description)
Your Experience 15+ years of hands-on experience in Quality Engineering or Software Development in Test (SDET).Expert-level programming skills in Python, Java, or a similar object-oriented language.Proven, demonstrable experience in designing, building, and maintaining complex test automation frameworks from scratch (e.g., using Pytest, Selenium, Playwright, REST Assured).Strong practical knowledge and experience applying AI/ML concepts and tools to software quality challenges. This includes hands-on experience with generative AI for code/test generation.Experience with AI-powered copilot tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Amp) for script generation and development productivity.Deep expertise with CI/CD pipelines, version control systems (Git), and modern DevOps practices.Experience testing complex, distributed systems and microservices architectures.Excellent analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills with an ability to think strategically about quality and technical challenges.Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.EducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent military experience required. A Master's degree is a plus.
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.
$167,000.00 - $270,500.00/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 accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com .
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. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- FSA
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
- Pet Insurance
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
Parental Benefits
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
- Work-From-Home Stipend
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- Snacks
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Leave of Absence
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Company Equity
- Stock Purchase Program
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Leadership Training Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Professional Coaching
- Work Visa Sponsorship
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
- Founder led
- Veteran founded/led
- Asian founded/led
Company Videos
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