Principal Software Engineer

Job Description

Your CareerWe're seeking innovators - software engineers who seek to design new products, designing state-of-the-art products that do not exist today. These engineers love to code with a drive to build global products and bring new ideas to develop security disciplines to solve real-world problems. We are looking for leaders who take ownership of their areas of focus and who are driven to pursue problems at every level. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture and we need engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with multi-functional teams towards achieving a common goal.As a key member of the Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW) System Infrastructure and Platform Security team, you will be responsible for designing and developing high performance and scalable core systems and building industry leading platform security for NGFW, which powers all next-gen firewall products at Palo Alto Networks. You will be part of a world-class multi-functional software engineering team that works on various ground-breaking technologies.Your ImpactInnovate, design, and develop core system infrastructure (e.g. IPC infrastructure, clustering, HA, software upgrade, OS/Kernel) and security infrastructure/services. Contribute in all phases of the software development cycle, from definition, design, through implementation and testDevelop functional specifications, assess task requirements and scheduling, and contribute to development, debugging and supportIdentify and drive improvements in existing software and development process

Qualifications (Additional Job Description)

Your Experience 8+ years experience in embedded programming, infrastructure, security, Linux kernel/OS, and platform softwareExperience developing, integrating and delivering product features or system components on Linux-based systemsExpertise in security such as OS/application security, secure boot, software/file/data integrity, access control (e.g.SeLinux), PQC, IMA, Intrusion Detection/reporting/auditing/remediation, VM/container security, etc, Strong C/C++ coding/debugging skillsStrong scripting skills with bash and pythonExperience with OS, Clustering and HA is a plusExperience with improving performance/scale, memory usage and boot-time s is a plusStrong verbal and written communication skills to work with multi-functional groupsB.S. or M.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline or equivalent practical experience or equivalent military experience required

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-013049

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-12-19T19:52:02