Principal Engineer Software
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
Job SummaryWe are seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to join our Cortex backend engineering group, a team dedicated to developing, innovating, and scaling the Cortex Platform. In this role, you will contribute to the core backend of Cortex products like XSOAR, XDR, and XSIAM, and shared infrastructures. We are looking for a passionate engineer with a can-do attitude who thrives on solving complex problems and delivering value to thousands of customers.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the end-to-end backend development of features and components, from design and development to testing, deployment, and maintenance.Collaborate effectively with peers across diverse teams and disciplines to shape solutions and ensure seamless integration with other product components.Drive team-wide technical excellence by actively participating in code reviews, design reviews, and architectural decisions.Maintain a production-first mindset, providing real-time mitigation and solutions to production issues to ensure platform stability and customer satisfaction.Challenge the status quo by exploring and applying new technologies and methodologies to innovate and scale the Cortex Platform.Simplify complex systems by designing and implementing elegant, scalable, and maintainable backend services.Mentor junior engineers, empowering others by sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of technical growth and accountability.
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Santa Clara, CA delivered to your inbox every week.
Qualifications (Additional Job Description)
Required QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.8+ years of professional software engineering experience, including the development of scalable server-side applications.Extensive hands-on programming skills in Go and/or Python.Proven experience with major cloud platforms (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure).Deep understanding of and experience with Microservices architecture (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker, Serverless).Strong computer science fundamentals and experience with distributed computing concepts (e.g., CAP theorem, master election, distributed databases).Preferred QualificationsExperience with big-data architectures using technologies like Kafka, Splunk, or Flink.Hands-on experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., BigQuery, Elasticsearch).Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices.Knowledge of cybersecurity, information security, or software security principles.
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.
$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/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
Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Palo Alto Networks.