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Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security)

Company Description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.
Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Who We Are

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers and we believe that the unique ideas of every member of our team contributes to our collective success. Our values were crowdsourced by employees and are brought to life through each of us everyday - from disruptive innovation and collaboration, to execution. From showing up for each other with integrity to creating an environment where we all feel included.

As a member of our team, you will be shaping the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and we respect each employee as a unique individual. Knowing we all have different needs, our development and personal wellbeing programs are designed to give you choice in how you are supported. This includes our FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items selected by employees, our mental and financial health resources, and our personalized learning opportunities - just to name a few!

At Palo Alto Networks, we believe in the power of collaboration and value in-person interactions. This is why our employees generally work full time from our office with flexibility offered where needed. This setup fosters casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships. Our goal is to create an environment where we all win with precision.

Job Description

Your Career

We're seeking innovators - 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 Layer-7 Security group, you will be responsible for:

  • Designing and developing security features on the next-generation firewalls
  • You will work with product management on user requirements, apply your knowledge to functional design
  • Utilize your programming skills for efficient and robust implementation
  • Interact with quality assurance and field support teams throughout the entire software development cycle

Your Impact

  • Innovate, design, and develop new security features in our next-generation firewalls product
  • Contribute in all phases of the product development cycle, from definition, design, through implementation and test
  • Design new product features, with a high focus on quality and execution
  • Develop functional specifications, assess task requirements and scheduling, and assist in development, debug and support
  • Suggest and implement improvements to the development process
  • Clearly communicate goals and desired outcomes to internal project teams
  • Interview, mentor and coach new team members

Qualifications

Your Experience

  • B.S./M.S. degree in Computer Science, similar technical discipline or equivalent practical experience or equivalent military experience required
  • 5+ years of enterprise product development experience with C in a Unix/Linux environment
  • Flair for coding and hands on experience debugging the code using tools like GDB is required
  • Working knowledge of TCP/IP internals and common data structure and algorithms
  • Working knowledge of Windows kernel and Windows Filtering Platform is preferred.
  • Verbal and written communication skills to work with multi-functional groups
  • Teammates who brings a can-do attitude to a dynamic working environment
  • Graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Computer Science or similar technical discipline is preferred
  • Knowledge of multi-core / multi-process / multi-threaded programming is preferred
  • Experience with windows agent programming and cloud programming (go) software development is preferred
  • Experience with large-scale and/or high-performance software design and development is preferred
  • Experience with TLS internals, cryptography, and OpenSSL is preferred
  • Experience with HTTP and web server backend development is preferred

Additional Information

The Team

You’ll be working in a top tier cybersecurity company and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in technology. Our team doesn’t shy away from tackling big problems. You will help build and support the tools and infrastructure enabling our developers to release the products that our customers depend on to defend against cyberattacks. Joining this dynamic and fast-paced team will give you the opportunity and thrill of resolving the technical and process gaps that hold back productivity.

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/commissioned roles) is expected to be between $126,000 - $204,500/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that 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  [email protected].

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.

Average salary estimate

$165250 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$126000K
$204500K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security), Palo Alto Networks

If you're a passionate and innovative engineer ready to take on a pivotal role as a Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) at Palo Alto Networks in Santa Clara, CA, we want you on our team! Here, our mission revolves around protecting our digital way of life, and we believe your unique ideas can help shape the future of cybersecurity. In this role, you will design and develop cutting-edge security features for the next-generation firewalls. Collaborating closely with product management, you’ll apply your skills to transform user requirements into functional designs. You will work on implementing robust code in a Unix/Linux environment, ensuring quality throughout the entire software development cycle. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, perfect for those who thrive on challenge and innovation. Moreover, your contributions will not only include coding but also coaching newcomers and driving improvements in our development processes. At Palo Alto Networks, we value collaboration and in-person interactions, offering flexibility where needed for personal well-being. As part of a diverse team, you'll be tackling significant problems with some of the brightest minds in technology. Join us, and let’s create a safer digital experience together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the key responsibilities of a Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) at Palo Alto Networks, you'll be instrumental in designing and developing advanced security features for our next-generation firewalls. Your main duties will include collaborating with product management to define user requirements, coding and implementing features, and engaging with quality assurance throughout the software development life cycle. Additionally, you'll have opportunities to mentor new team members and suggest enhancements to our development process.

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What qualifications are required for the Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) position at Palo Alto Networks?

Candidates for the Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) role at Palo Alto Networks should ideally possess a B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science or a related field, along with 5+ years of experience in enterprise product development using C in a Unix/Linux environment. Proficiency in TCP/IP internals, debugging tools like GDB, and experience with multi-threaded programming are also important. A graduate degree and knowledge of cryptography or cloud programming are preferred but not mandatory.

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How does Palo Alto Networks foster a collaborative work environment for its Sr Software Engineers?

Collaboration is core to our culture at Palo Alto Networks, especially for the Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) role. We encourage open communication and teamwork through in-person interactions. This allows our engineers to engage in spontaneous problem-solving discussions and build trusted relationships. Although flexibility is offered for remote work, being alongside your colleagues in the office greatly enhances creative collaboration and contributes to our shared goals.

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What opportunities for professional growth are available for Sr Software Engineers at Palo Alto Networks?

At Palo Alto Networks, we believe in continuous learning and development for our employees, especially our Sr Software Engineers in Layer-7 Security. You will have access to personalized learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and development resources tailored to your goals. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to take ownership of projects, lead initiatives, and influence product development, enhancing both your skills and career path.

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What is the compensation package like for a Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) at Palo Alto Networks?

The compensation for a Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security) at Palo Alto Networks is competitive and based on qualifications and experience. Starting base salaries typically range from $126,000 to $204,500 per year, and this can include additional benefits like restricted stock units and bonuses. More details about our employee benefits can be found on our official benefits webpage.

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Common Interview Questions for Sr Software Engineer (L7 Security)
What experience do you have with Unix/Linux programming for security applications?

In your answer, highlight your hands-on experience in Unix/Linux programming, particularly focusing on projects or roles where your coding contributed to security features. Mention specific programming languages and tools you've used, including any debugging software, and how they were applied in real-world scenarios.

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Can you discuss a challenging project you've worked on related to security features?

Discuss a project where you faced significant hurdles, outlining your role and contributions towards overcoming these challenges. Emphasize how you used your coding and problem-solving skills to implement effective security measures and the impact this project had on the team or organization.

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How do you ensure quality in your code during the development process?

Explain your approach to maintaining code quality, including practices like code reviews, writing unit tests, and continuous integration. Provide examples of how these practices have helped catch bugs or improve code maintainability in past projects.

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What strategies do you use when collaborating with multi-functional teams?

Discuss the importance of clear communication and how you establish a mutual understanding of goals and deliverables with team members from various functions. Share specific examples where collaboration led to successful project outcomes.

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What programming languages are you most proficient in and why do you prefer them for security-related tasks?

Highlight your proficiency in relevant programming languages like C or Go, focusing on why these languages are advantageous for developing security features. Discuss aspects like performance, security features, and development speed that make them suitable for cybersecurity applications.

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How do you approach debugging complex security-related issues?

Outline your debugging process, focusing on tools and techniques you utilize to diagnose and resolve issues. Share an example of a particularly complex issue you handled and the steps you took to resolve it.

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Describe your understanding of TCP/IP protocols and how they relate to security.

Articulate your knowledge of TCP/IP internals, including how you leverage this understanding to enhance security features in your work. Consider including examples of how you've implemented security measures at various layers of the TCP/IP stack.

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What contributions have you made to improving development processes in previous positions?

Discuss specific initiatives or suggestions you've introduced in past positions that improved efficiency, team collaboration, or code quality. Highlight measurable impacts, if possible, to emphasize your contributions.

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How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple security projects?

Describe your approach to task prioritization, considering factors like project deadlines, team dependencies, and resource availability. Mention any tools or methodologies you use to stay organized and focused.

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What motivates you to innovate in the field of cybersecurity?

Reflect on your passion for cybersecurity and specific experiences or influences that drive you to innovate. Share how this motivation has led to tangible success in your previous roles or personal projects.

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Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

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DATE POSTED
April 2, 2025

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