Sr 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
Your CareerArchitect/Sr. Principal Engineer, Backend - Cortex Cloud (Posture Security)Team: Cortex Cloud - Posture SecurityPalo Alto Networks is the industry leader in cybersecurity, dedicated to protecting our digital way of life. We are innovators at our core, challenging the status quo and committed to building the next generation of security products. We are looking for a seasoned and visionary Architect/Sr. Principal Engineer to join our dynamic backend engineering team, specifically focused on our Cortex Cloud Posture Security solutions. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing and developing robust, scalable, and high-performance backend systems that power our cutting-edge cloud security posture management capabilities.Your ImpactLead the architectural vision and design for complex, large-scale backend systems and microservices that form the backbone of our Cortex Cloud Posture Security offerings.Develop and implement high-quality, resilient, and scalable backend services primarily using Go and Python.Drive system design discussions and decisions, ensuring solutions meet current Posture Security needs while being adaptable for future growth and technological advancements in cloud security.Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, frontend engineers, security researchers, and SRE, to define, design, and ship new features and platform enhancements for Cortex Cloud Posture Security.Mentor and guide senior and junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning within the Posture Security team.Define and evangelize best practices for backend development, testing, and deployment within the organization, particularly as they apply to cloud-native security solutions.Analyze and resolve complex technical challenges and production issues, ensuring the reliability and performance of our Cortex Cloud Posture Security services.Contribute to and lead code reviews, design reviews, and architectural reviews related to Posture Security components.Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in cloud security, backend development, and posture management, evaluating and recommending their adoption where appropriate.Optionally, leverage your understanding of UI development and user experience to contribute to a more holistic product design and improved collaboration with frontend teams working on the Cortex Cloud interface.
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Qualifications (Additional Job Description)
Your Experience 10+ years of experience in backend software development, with a proven track record of designing and delivering complex, distributed systems, preferably in a cloud security context.Deep expertise in Go and/or Python for backend development.Strong understanding of software architecture principles, including microservices, event-driven architecture, and distributed systems patterns.Proven experience with system design, data modeling, and API design (RESTful, gRPC).Experience with various database technologies (SQL and NoSQL), message queues (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ), and caching solutions.Solid understanding of cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, or Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), with a strong emphasis on security best practices within these environments.Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor engineers.Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with a knack for explaining complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.Nice to HaveUnderstanding of UI technologies (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) and how backend systems support frontend applications for displaying complex security data.Deep experience with cybersecurity, specifically Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP), or related cloud security domains.Contributions to open-source projects related to cloud security or backend infrastructure.Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform.Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., CIS, NIST, SOC2) and their implications for cloud security products.
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.
$170,000.00 - $277,000.00/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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