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 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

Job SummaryAs a Principal Software Engineer on the Next-generation Firewall data plane team, you will be a key member of a world-class team working on cutting-edge security technologies. You will take ownership of designing and developing large software components for our next-generation firewall, translating real-world customer requirements into functional designs. Your expertise will be crucial in building efficient, robust solutions that tackle real-world cyber-attacks and define the future of cybersecurity.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop next-generation network security components and protocols for state-of-the-art firewalls deployed in enterprise, data center, and cloud environments.Lead the development of L2-L4 network security features, including stateful TCP/UDP inspection, across both hardware and virtual platforms.Develop scalable flow architecture for packet processing pipelines using DPDK for multi-core platforms, and interface with ASIC functions.Create scalable software solutions for a distributed session architecture spanning across a cluster of firewalls to ensure high availability and performance.Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, QA, and Support, to ensure alignment on feature requirements and successful delivery.Provide timely root cause analysis and resolutions for critical customer escalations, demonstrating accountability and advanced problem-solving skills.Contribute to the product vision by generating innovative ideas that provide a competitive edge, and independently drive tasks from conception to completion.