Senior Staff Engineer - MacOS - C/C++ (Prisma Access) - job 3 of 3

As a Senior Staff Engineer - MacOS - C/C++ at Palo Alto Networks, your primary responsibility will be to design and develop next-generation software technologies for our GlobalProtect team. You’ll be involved in coding, developing, and delivering innovative solutions that enhance cybersecurity through our Prisma Access platform. Your role will also include collaborating with cross-functional teams, tackling complex software challenges, and contributing to the overall mission of securing customer environments. Your expertise in macOS system programming will be crucial in ensuring the performance and security of our products.

To qualify for the Senior Staff Engineer - MacOS - C/C++ position at Palo Alto Networks, applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in software development focusing on macOS, with a deep understanding of macOS kernel internals and system-level programming. Hands-on experience in C/C++ is essential, while familiarity with Swift or Objective-C is a plus. Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge of networking protocols as well as troubleshooting tools specific to macOS. An M.S./B.S. degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent military experience, is required.

Palo Alto Networks seeks a Senior Staff Engineer - MacOS - C/C++ who is a fast learner, adaptable to new technologies, and enjoys solving challenging problems. Applicants should demonstrate a collaborative spirit and effective communication skills to work well across various teams. The ideal candidate is one with a strong can-do attitude, ready to take ownership of projects, inspire others, and foster a culture of technical excellence while clearly articulating the project vision and collaborating effectively with diverse teams.

At Palo Alto Networks, the working environment for a Senior Staff Engineer - MacOS - C/C++ is designed to promote collaboration and flexibility. The team primarily works in the office to facilitate casual interactions and problem-solving discussions, while also offering flexibility when needed. This encourages the fostering of trusted relationships and ensures that engineers can thrive in a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. Employees are supported through various development and personal wellbeing programs, making it a vibrant workplace focused on innovation.

As a Senior Staff Engineer - MacOS - C/C++, you can expect numerous opportunities for professional growth at Palo Alto Networks. The company emphasizes ongoing learning and development, providing personalized learning opportunities tailored to individual needs. Employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge and skills while tackling innovative projects. As part of a team of forward-thinking professionals, you will also be empowered to lead initiatives and inspire others, ensuring a culture of shared ownership and technical excellence.

When answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with macOS systems programming specifically, focusing on detailed projects you've worked on. Discuss your familiarity with kernel internals, system-level programming, and any specific macOS frameworks like System Extensions or Network Extensions that you've utilized. Show enthusiasm for the challenges you faced and the solutions you implemented in your past roles to demonstrate your capability in this area.

When discussing your proficiency with C/C++, provide specific examples of projects where you've successfully applied these languages within macOS development. Mention any performance optimizations and secure coding practices you implemented in your code. Highlight any challenges you overcame or solutions you devised that showcase your expertise and ability to work well under pressure.

In your response, outline the structured approach you take when troubleshooting networking on macOS. Discuss specific tools and methodologies, like using the Network Utility or System Diagnostic reports, or protocols you’re familiar with. Share a case study where you identified a networking problem and the steps you took to resolve it, illustrating your analytical skills and technical prowess.

Reflect on a specific project where collaboration was crucial. Discuss how you utilized communication tools and regular check-ins to foster teamwork. Explain the complexities of working with cross-functional teams and how your contributions helped achieve the project’s objectives, emphasizing your ability to navigate diverse perspectives and forge strong working relationships.

In your answer, mention any blogs, forums, or courses you follow to keep abreast of the latest in cybersecurity. Discuss any conferences you attend and how you integrate learning from industry leaders into your work. Show that you are committed to continuous improvement and adapting to evolving cybersecurity challenges to highlight your proactive approach.

Describe your problem-solving framework, starting from understanding the problem to breaking it down into manageable parts. Illustrate your approach with an example from previous work where you faced a significant obstacle in software development and how you tackled it effectively. Highlight the importance of asking the right questions and collaborating with team members during this process.

In response, convey the importance of a deep understanding of macOS systems, strong coding skills in C/C++, and the ability to communicate effectively with different teams. Emphasize that technical skills must be complemented by a collaborative mindset and an eagerness to share knowledge with others to drive collective success.

Talk about the practices you follow to build secure products, such as conducting regular code reviews, using static analysis tools, and following secure coding guidelines. Highlight any specific experiences where you implemented security measures in macOS applications that contributed to a more robust software product.

If yes, share your experience working with these frameworks, including specific projects where you implemented them. Outline how you integrated functionalities provided by these frameworks into your applications, and relate how you ensured they adhered to security and performance standards.

Express your passion for cybersecurity by discussing the significance of protecting users and data from threats. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that ignited this passion, and show how they align with Palo Alto Networks’ mission. Emphasize the satisfaction you derive from solving complex problems and contributing to a safer digital environment.