Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy, and consent to receive emails from Rise
Jobs / Job page
Principal Engineer Software image - Rise Careers
Job details

Principal Engineer Software - job 4 of 5

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 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 Impact

As a Principal Engineer on the team, you will:

  • Work across team boundaries

  • Drive projects from requirements to design and implementation as project lead

  • Align 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 department

  • Regularly provide cross-team technical collaboration and consultation

  • Design, build, and optimize data models and queries for speed and scale, using data storage technologies like MySQL and BigQuery

Qualifications

Your Experience 

  • 7+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on cloud-native application development, at large organizations or innovative startups

  • Strong programming skills in one of Python, Go, or Java, 

  • Experience with distributed systems architecture and design

  • Experience in cloud technologies like ElasticSearch, Pubsub, etc.

  • Excellent troubleshooting abilities. Isolate issues found during testing and verify bug fixes once they are resolved

  • Experience with cloud development (REST APIs, Databases, Serverless computing) of distributed cloud applications

  • Experience with building and delivering services and workflows at scale, leveraging microservices architectures

  • Good understanding of public cloud design considerations and limitations in areas of microservice architectures, security, global network infrastructure, distributed systems, and load balancing

  • Experience with the agile process and working with software development teams involved with building out full stack products, deployed on the cloud at scale

  • Experience as a hands-on tech lead / architect

  • Can-do attitude and ability to make trade-off judgements with data driven decision making

  • High energy and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Enjoys working with many different teams with strong collaboration and communications skills

  • Experience building UI with React or Angular is a plus (not required)

  • BS/MS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or related technical degree

Additional Information

The Team

Prisma Cloud provides security for enterprise customers' cloud environments hosted on AWS, Azure, and GCP. This is one of the fastest-growing BU in Palo Alto Networks.
 
The Platform Team is PANW's most foundational team of shared services and is used by all the applications in Prisma Cloud. This core platform may eventually expand to all PANW Business Units. Our goal is to become a platform to allow seamless and consistent integrations with various teams within PANW and also provide a unified user experience.

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 $126000 - $20000YR. 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

$163000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$126000K
$200000K

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 Principal Engineer Software, Palo Alto Networks

Are you ready to make a real impact in the world of cybersecurity? Palo Alto Networks is on the lookout for a Principal Engineer Software to join our innovative Cortex backend engineering group in Santa Clara, CA. In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of cloud security, crafting and maintaining the essential backend infrastructure for our Cortex Cloud Platform. Your work will directly enhance the security of our customers' cloud environments, and we need someone with a passion for overcoming complex challenges and delivering value on a grand scale. As a Principal Engineer, you’ll take charge of driving projects from inception to execution, collaborating with product management, UX design, and your fellow engineering teams to align objectives and maximize impact. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor engineers, share your expertise across teams, and proactively tackle design review to ensure smooth project execution. If you have over 7 years of experience in software engineering, a strong background in cloud-native development, and know your way around distributed systems architecture, then you could be the perfect fit! At Palo Alto Networks, we value ongoing learning and offer flexible development programs tailored to individual needs, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Join us as we work together to shape the future of cybersecurity and create a safer digital world for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Engineer Software Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the responsibilities of the Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks, your primary responsibilities will include designing, developing, and maintaining the backend infrastructure for the Cortex Cloud Platform. You’ll lead projects from requirements to implementation, collaborating closely with teams across the organization to align on priorities. Your role will also encompass risk assessment and mitigation, mentoring other engineers, and optimizing data models for enhanced speed and scalability.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are needed for the Principal Engineer Software position at Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Principal Engineer Software role at Palo Alto Networks, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in software engineering, particularly in cloud-native application development. Strong programming skills in Python, Go, or Java are essential, along with experience in distributed systems architecture and cloud technologies. A degree in Computer Science or a related field is also preferred, along with proficiency in agile processes.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does collaboration work for the Principal Engineer Software role at Palo Alto Networks?

Collaboration is at the heart of the Principal Engineer Software role at Palo Alto Networks. In this position, you’ll be working closely with product management, UX design, and fellow engineers to align on project goals and ensure successful execution. The company promotes in-person interactions, encouraging casual conversations and collaborative problem-solving to foster a supportive and innovative environment.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the work environment like for the Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

The work environment at Palo Alto Networks for the Principal Engineer Software role is fast-paced and focused on innovation. The company emphasizes a culture of learning and development, providing employees with the tools and resources needed for personal and professional growth. Employees generally work full-time from the office, which enhances collaboration and relationship building among team members.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What opportunities for growth exist within the Principal Engineer Software position at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks, there are numerous opportunities for growth. You will have the chance to mentor other engineers, leading projects that directly shape cloud security innovation. The company values ongoing learning and offers various personalized development programs, so you can continue to enhance your skills and advance your career within a supportive community.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Principal Engineer Software
Can you describe your experience with cloud-native application development?

When answering this question, be sure to highlight specific projects where you’ve developed cloud-native applications. Discuss the technologies and languages you used, such as Python or Java, and any challenges you overcame during the development process.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you approach troubleshooting in distributed systems?

To answer this question, explain your methodology for isolating issues within distributed systems. Describe tools or techniques you use for logging and monitoring, and share an example of a complex issue you resolved, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What experience do you have with microservices architectures?

When discussing your experience with microservices architectures, be specific about the projects you’ve worked on. Talk about the design decisions you made, how you handled data storage, and the impact of microservices on scalability and performance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure collaboration across teams in your projects?

In your response, emphasize the importance of communication and regular check-ins with other teams. Discuss how you use collaboration tools or methods to align goals and keep all stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you give an example of a project where you had to balance trade-offs?

When answering this question, narrate a specific project where you faced trade-offs. Discuss the factors considered in your decision-making process and how you used data to support your choices, demonstrating your analytical approach.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What programming languages are you most proficient in, and why?

Highlight your strongest programming languages, particularly those relevant to the Principal Engineer Software role, such as Python, Go, or Java. Share experiences or projects that showcase your proficiency and how these languages were instrumental in achieving project goals.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you stay updated with the latest trends in cloud technologies?

In response, mention specific resources you use to stay current, such as industry blogs, conferences, or online courses. Discuss how you apply this knowledge to your work and why you believe continuous learning is vital in the tech industry.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your experience with agile methodologies.

When discussing your experience with agile methodologies, highlight specific projects you've worked on as part of an agile team. Talk about how the agile process influenced project outcomes and improved team collaboration.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What role does mentorship play in your professional life?

Share personal experiences where you have mentored others in your field. Highlight the importance of mentorship for personal growth and how it contributes to building a strong engineering community within the workplace.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why do you want to work for Palo Alto Networks?

When answering this question, align your passions with Palo Alto Networks’ mission and values. Discuss what excites you about the opportunity to work in cloud security and how you envision contributing to the company's goals.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User

As a Principal Researcher at Palo Alto Networks, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing application identification technologies to strengthen cybersecurity measures.

Photo of the Rise User

Lead the charge in shaping incident response frameworks at Palo Alto Networks as a Principal Product Manager in the cybersecurity sector.

Photo of the Rise User
Brillio Remote Edison, New Jersey, United States
Posted 14 days ago

Join Brillio as a Full Stack Developer, leveraging your expertise in Python and React to drive digital transformations for top-tier clients.

Posted 14 days ago

Lead your team to success as a Tech Lead at Matrix, focusing on Quantexa Technology in a fully remote setting.

Photo of the Rise User
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Take Risks
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
Customer-Centric
Social Impact Driven
Rapid Growth
Passion for Exploration
Dare to be Different
Reward & Recognition
Friends Outside of Work
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Conferences Stipend
Bias Training
Employee Resource Groups
401K Matching
Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave
Some Meals Provided
Social Gatherings

As an Engineering Manager in Site Reliability Engineering at Google, you'll lead projects to optimize and maintain the reliability of critical services.

Posted 6 days ago

We are looking for a Senior Full Stack Product Engineer to join our mission of creating an AI-powered Chief of Staff that significantly boosts human productivity.

Photo of the Rise User

Join Worth AI as a Full Stack/Back End Developer and help transform the business decision-making landscape with cutting-edge technology.

Posted 2 days ago

Join us as a Senior Backend Engineer to build and maintain high-performance backend systems for real-time data processing.

Photo of the Rise User
Posted 11 days ago

Join Yahoo's innovative team as a Sr Software Engineer, where you'll develop cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of Search.

Photo of the Rise User
Posted 8 days ago

Join Navigate360 as a Developer Team Lead to guide a talented Scrum team in delivering scalable web applications remotely.

Photo of the Rise User
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Child Care stipend
Employee Resource Groups
Learning & Development
Photo of the Rise User
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Child Care stipend
Employee Resource Groups
Learning & Development
Photo of the Rise User
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Transparent & Candid
Growth & Learning
Fast-Paced
Collaboration over Competition
Take Risks
Friends Outside of Work
Passion for Exploration
Customer-Centric
Reward & Recognition
Feedback Forward
Rapid Growth
Medical Insurance
Paid Time-Off
Maternity Leave
Mental Health Resources
Equity
Paternity Leave
Fully Distributed
Flex-Friendly
Some Meals Provided
Snacks
Social Gatherings
Pet Friendly
Company Retreats
Dental Insurance
Life insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)

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

1269 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 22, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
16 people applied to NodeJs developer at BlackStone eIT
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Westerville just viewed Summer Internship - Public Health Data Science at Cotiviti
V
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Part-Time Executive/Personal Assistant at VirtuHire
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Chillicothe just viewed Area Manager at The Hemp Co by Curaleaf at Curaleaf
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed VP, B2B/Integrated Marketing at TEGNA Inc.
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Director, Marketing and GTM Strategy at Aspen Dental
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Senior Vice President, JLLIPT Marketing at JLL
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Vice President of Marketing at Forum Health
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Vice President of Marketing at Beacon
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Director of Growth Marketing at Sundays for Dogs
P
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Vice President of Marketing at ProCaps Labs
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Vice President, Marketing at Inmagine
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed VP of Marketing at IDIQ
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed VP of Marketing at Vultron
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Marketing Manager (Remote - US) at Jobgether
F
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Head of Marketing at FoodHealth Company
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed VP, Paid Marketing (Remote - US) at Jobgether
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Hospital Marketing at Datadog
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Vice President, Institutional Marketing at Tutor.com
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Director, Marketing Campaign Management at Humana