Principal Engineer Software (Public Cloud)

Job Description

Your CareerWe are looking for a Principal Backend Engineer to join our Cortex backend engineering group. Be at the forefront of cloud security innovation as a backend engineer on our team. You will design, develop, and maintain the core backend infrastructure for Palo Alto Networks' Cortex Cloud Platform and its Cloud Security Posture features, directly impacting the security of our customers' cloud environments. We are looking for candidates with a can-do attitude, who are passionate about complex problems and thrive on bringing value to thousands of customers.Your ImpactAs a Principal Engineer on the team, you will:Work across team boundariesDrive projects from requirements to design and implementation as project leadAlign key stakeholders including product management, UX design, and fellow engineering stakeholders Proactively review design, identify risks and mitigate risks in ongoing and planned projects to ensure smooth execution Mentor engineers across the departmentRegularly provide cross-team technical collaboration and consultationDesign, build, and optimize data models and queries for speed and scale, using data storage technologies like MySQL and BigQuery

Qualifications (Additional Job Description)

Your Experience 7+ years of progressive software engineering experience, with a heavy focus on developing cloud-native applications at scale.Expert-level programming skills in at least one of: Python, Go, or Java.Deep practical experience in distributed systems architecture and microservices.Proven ability to build and deliver high-volume services, leveraging technologies like ElasticSearch, Pub/Sub, REST APIs, and Serverless computing.Exceptional troubleshooting abilities and a "can-do" attitude when faced with complex, ambiguous problems.A strong understanding of public cloud design considerations (security, networking, load balancing) and the limitations of building services at a global scale.Experience acting as a hands-on tech lead or architect, making data-driven trade-off judgments.

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.

Client-provided location(s): Santa Clara, CA

Job ID: Palo_Alto_Networks-JR-006794

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-10-17T19:58:19