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Principal Software Engineer (Internet 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

As a member of the Advanced URL Filtering (Internet Security) Infrastructure and Data Science Team, you will work closely with data scientists, security researchers, and other engineers on implementing different projects to detect and defend against various emerging threats in the areas of Web Security. You will build big data and distributed systems that use machine learning and deep learning models to analyze and categorize an enormous amount of URLs. You will be a key person in transforming ideas into products that are part of the next-generation security platform. 

Your Impact

  • Build and maintain threat research systems for both customer-facing products and internal infrastructures.

  • Work closely with team members and Product Managers to collect product requirements, create design drafts, and develop functional specifications.

  • Implement solutions by adhering to software development guidelines and best practices.

  • Work with SREs on production release/deployment and monitoring.

Qualifications

Your Experience 

  • BS or MS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. 

  • 7+ years of related experience.

  • Creative thinker and team player, with good communication skills and a desire to make differences.

  • Proficient with Golang or Java. Must also be competent with Python. 

  • Ability to design, implement, and deploy backend services and data pipelines; conduct regression and integration tests.

  • Proficient in cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure) and container-based development (Docker, Kubernetes).

  • Knowledge of web development technologies such as Javascript or Typescript is a plus

  • Proficient in Linux OS and shell scripting.

  • Proficient in database systems such as MongoDB, MySQL, or similar.

  • Experience with Big data, distributed systems, and ETL pipelines such as Spark.

  • Have basic knowledge of Machine Learning and Web Content Classification.

  • Hands-on and humble attitude, self-directed and passion in cybersecurity.

Additional Information

The Team

We define the industry, instead of waiting for directions. We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of a challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment. 

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 $170,000 - $225,000/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

#LI-TD1

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

$197500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$170000K
$225000K

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 Software Engineer (Internet Security), Palo Alto Networks

Are you ready to take the next step in your career as a Principal Software Engineer specializing in Internet Security at Palo Alto Networks? In the vibrant city of Santa Clara, CA, you'll find yourself at the forefront of cybersecurity. As a pivotal member of the Advanced URL Filtering Infrastructure and Data Science Team, your mission will be to protect our digital way of life by implementing innovative projects aimed at detecting and defending against emerging web threats. You'll be working closely with a talented team of data scientists and engineers to build and enhance big data systems using cutting-edge machine learning models. Your role involves transforming ideas into real-world products that contribute to a next-generation security platform. You'll have the chance to build robust threat research systems that are crucial for both customer-facing products and internal infrastructures. Moreover, you'll collaborate with Product Managers to gather requirements, draft designs, and create functional specifications while adhering to best software development practices. Your technical expertise in languages like Golang or Java, along with proficiency in cloud platforms and big data solutions, will be essential. Additionally, your ability to communicate effectively within a collaborative environment will make you a key player in our mission to redefine the cybersecurity landscape. At Palo Alto Networks, we not only value innovation and learning but also provide you with the flexibility to thrive in your role. Join us, and make an impact where it matters most!

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

As a Principal Software Engineer specializing in Internet Security at Palo Alto Networks, your key responsibilities will include building and maintaining threat research systems, collaborating with data scientists and engineers to develop big data and distributed systems, and implementing machine learning models that analyze vast amounts of URLs. You'll also work closely with Product Managers to gather requirements and create design specifications to support innovative security projects.

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What qualifications are needed to become a Principal Software Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Principal Software Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks, candidates should have a BS or MS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering along with 7+ years of related experience. It's essential to be proficient in Golang or Java and capable in Python, as well as having a solid understanding of cloud platforms like GCP, AWS, or Azure, container-based development using Docker and Kubernetes, and familiarity with database systems and big data technologies.

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What programming languages should I know as a Principal Software Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Principal Software Engineer in Internet Security at Palo Alto Networks, proficiency in Golang or Java is a must, alongside competencies in Python. Knowledge of web development technologies, such as Javascript or Typescript, is also a plus, allowing you to contribute more broadly across various projects within the organization.

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What is the work environment like for a Principal Software Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

At Palo Alto Networks, the work environment for a Principal Software Engineer emphasizes collaboration and in-person interactions, generally requiring full-time presence in the office while allowing for flexibility when needed. The company fosters a culture of casual conversations, problem-solving, and strong team relationships to encourage innovation and creativity in cybersecurity.

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What benefits does Palo Alto Networks offer to Principal Software Engineers?

Palo Alto Networks offers a competitive benefits package to Principal Software Engineers, which includes options like FLEXBenefits for personal wellbeing, mental and financial health resources, and personalized learning opportunities. Employees will also have access to competitive compensation, including base salary, stock options, and performance bonuses.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Software Engineer (Internet Security)
How do you approach building scalable backend services as a Principal Software Engineer?

In answering this question, focus on your experience with designing and deploying backend services. Mention the importance of understanding user needs, considering performance and scalability from the beginning, and choosing appropriate technologies that align with your team's overall objectives, such as cloud platforms and containerization.

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Can you explain your experience with machine learning in the context of cybersecurity?

When discussing this, share specific examples of how you've implemented machine learning models for cybersecurity purposes. Highlight projects where you've analyzed data sets for patterns, categorizing threats, and the impact those models had on enhancing security measures at your current or previous roles.

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What techniques do you use for effective communication within a team?

Detail your strategies for effective communication, such as regular check-ins, utilizing collaborative tools, and ensuring clarity in requirements and expectations during team discussions. Emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of openness and encouraging feedback to enhance collaboration.

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Describe your experience with cloud platforms and how you've utilized them in previous projects.

Share specific projects where you've leveraged cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure, explaining how these platforms enhanced scalability, reduced costs, or improved team collaboration. Discuss your familiarity with deploying and managing applications in a cloud environment.

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What steps do you follow to ensure quality in software development?

Explain your approach to ensuring quality, such as incorporating testing strategies like regression and integration tests, adhering to coding standards, and conducting code reviews with teammates. Highlight your commitment to continuous integration and deployment practices to maintain high software quality.

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How do you stay updated on trends and advancements in cybersecurity?

Talk about your methods for keeping current in the cybersecurity field, such as attending conferences, participating in online courses, or following industry experts. Mention any special resources or communities that provide valuable insights and foster professional growth in this rapidly evolving area.

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Can you describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you overcame it?

Offer a specific example of a technical challenge, detailing the situation, your analysis of the problem, and the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight the lessons learned and how you applied those insights to future projects, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

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What is your experience with data pipelines and ETL processes?

When tackling this question, provide examples of your involvement with designing and implementing data pipelines, detailing the tools used, and the importance of ETL processes in managing data efficiently. Discuss instances where your initiative in this area greatly benefited project outcomes.

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How do you evaluate new technologies or methodologies before integrating them into a project?

Describe your systematic approach to evaluating new technologies, including research, pilot testing, and weighing pros and cons based on the team's needs and project requirements. Highlight your analytical skills and openness to innovative solutions when addressing team challenges.

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What are your thoughts on collaboration and teamwork in software engineering?

Emphasize the critical role collaboration plays in software engineering, sharing personal anecdotes about successful team efforts. Discuss how collective brainstorming and diverse perspectives enhance the problem-solving process and lead to high-quality product development.

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

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DATE POSTED
March 23, 2025

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