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Senior ASIC Design Engineer (NetSec)

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 Design engineer on the ASIC team, you will create complex digital logic for our groundbreaking next-generation firewall products that meet or exceed industry-leading requirements for features, performance, and reliability.  You will define architecture and microarchitecture specifications, implement logic, and validate the designs on diverse platforms including simulation, emulation, formal verification, and silicon validation.

Your Impact

  • Create design specifications and define the ASIC architecture and microarchitecture in close collaboration with the Systems Architecture team

  • Implement RTL designs in SystemVerilog

  • Ensure that designs meet aggressive goals for functionality, performance, and reliability in close collaboration with ASIC verification and systems validation engineers

    • Evaluate and enhance test plans to maximize coverage

    • Debug complex test scenarios

    • Analyze coverage reports and suggest new tests to close coverage gaps

    • Define and implement sophisticated design for debug mechanisms

  • Ensure that designs meet aggressive goals for area, timing, power, and testability in close collaboration with ASIC physical design engineers

    • Perform synthesis

    • Optimize floorplan

    • Analyze and reduce power consumption

    • Close timing

  • Define new methodologies to continuously improve quality and velocity

  • Create powerful scripts to automate design tasks

Qualifications

Your Experience 

  • BS in EE, CE, or CS required - MSEE preferred or equivalent military experience required

  • Minimum 8 years experience in ASIC design

  • Demonstrated success in taking multiple ASIC products from concept to mass production

  • Expertise in SystemVerilog for design

  • Technical strength in the following areas is required:

    • Defining microarchitecture to optimize power, performance, and area

    • Lint, CDC, RDC, and X verification

    • Debugging simulation, emulation, and silicon validation

    • Analyzing physical design reports and fixing timing and power violations

    • Analyzing code coverage results

  • Experience in the following areas is a plus:

    • Networking and cyber security

    • Working knowledge of PCIe or Ethernet standards

    • Experience with hardware implementation of Search Algorithms

    • Formal property verification

    • Silicon validation - bringup, test, debug, and regression

    • Creating models in Python and C/C++

    • Synthesis, equivalency check, and automatic formal verification

  • Skilled in writing powerful, modular, and scalable scripts in Python and UNIX shell to automate design tasks

  • Demonstrated ownership and independence in planning, debugging complex failures, closing metrics-driven tasks, driving vendors, and reporting status

  • Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills

Additional Information

The Team

We are the global cybersecurity leader, known for always challenging the security status quo. Our mission is to protect our way of life in the digital age by preventing successful cyberattacks. This has given us the privilege of safely enabling tens of thousands of organizations and their customers. Our pioneering Security Operating Platform emboldens their digital transformation with continuous innovation that seizes the latest breakthroughs in security, automation, and analytics. By delivering a true platform and empowering a growing ecosystem of change-makers like us, we provide highly effective and innovative cybersecurity across clouds, networks, and mobile devices.

Our Security Operating Platform is built for automation. It is easy to operate, with capabilities that work together, so customers can prevent successful cyberattacks. They can use analytics to automate routine tasks, so they can focus on what matters. We are known for continuously delivering innovations; and with Application Framework, we extend that to an open ecosystem of developers that benefit from our customers’ existing investment in data, sensors, and enforcement points.

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 $148,000 - $180,000/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

$164000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$148000K
$180000K

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What You Should Know About Senior ASIC Design Engineer (NetSec), Palo Alto Networks

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity landscape? As a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks in Santa Clara, CA, you'll be on the forefront of crafting groundbreaking next-generation firewall products. This role is not just about designing; it's about pushing the envelope of what's possible while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. You'll be defining intricate microarchitectures and creating specifications that elevate performance, functionality, and reliability. Your expertise in SystemVerilog will take center stage as you implement logic designs that meet aggressive goals in power and efficiency. You'll also work closely with teams across the board—from systems architecture to validation—ensuring that every design stands up to rigorous testing and debugging. At Palo Alto Networks, we value continuous learning and provide extensive opportunities for personal growth. Our inclusive culture thrives on collaboration and innovation, celebrating each team member's contributions and unique perspectives. If you're passionate about shaping the future of cybersecurity while enjoying a supportive work environment, this is the place for you. Join us as we redefine what’s possible and protect our digital way of life like never before!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior ASIC Design Engineer (NetSec) Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the main responsibilities of a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks, your main responsibilities include creating complex digital logic for firewall products, defining the architecture and microarchitecture specifications, implementing logic in SystemVerilog, and validating designs across various platforms. Additionally, you will collaborate with ASIC verification and systems validation engineers to ensure designs meet performance and reliability goals while evaluating test plans to maximize coverage.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Senior ASIC Design Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks, you should have a BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, although a Master's degree is preferred. A minimum of 8 years of ASIC design experience is required, along with expertise in SystemVerilog. Familiarity with microarchitecture optimization, debugging, and physical design reports is essential. Knowledge in networking and cybersecurity is a plus, making you an even stronger candidate.

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What technical skills are essential for success as a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

Success as a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks demands technical skills in SystemVerilog, debugging simulation, and silicon validation. Knowledge of lint, CDC, and RDC verification, as well as the ability to analyze code coverage results, are critical. Familiarity with scripting in Python and UNIX shell for automation adds tremendous value. An understanding of networking protocols like PCIe or Ethernet will also enhance your contributions to the team.

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What is the work environment like for a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

The work environment for a Senior ASIC Design Engineer at Palo Alto Networks is collaborative and innovative. The company emphasizes in-person interactions to foster casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships among team members. You will work alongside a diverse group of professionals, all dedicated to a shared mission of protecting digital life. The flexible approach to work allows for a balance between personal needs and collaborative efforts.

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What opportunities for advancement exist for Senior ASIC Design Engineers at Palo Alto Networks?

At Palo Alto Networks, there are numerous opportunities for advancement for Senior ASIC Design Engineers. The company's commitment to ongoing learning and development means you'll have access to personalized training resources and career growth initiatives. Your contributions to groundbreaking projects can lead to leadership roles and increased responsibilities, making it an exciting place to grow your career.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior ASIC Design Engineer (NetSec)
Can you explain your experience with SystemVerilog in ASIC design?

When addressing your experience with SystemVerilog during the interview, highlight specific projects where you implemented RTL designs. Discuss your understanding of the language's constructs, how you've applied them in past roles, and any challenges you faced. Use examples of how you optimized designs for performance or power, showcasing your technical expertise and practical problem-solving skills.

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How do you approach debugging in complex ASIC designs?

In answering questions about debugging in ASIC designs, emphasize your systematic approach. Describe the methods you use, such as reviewing simulation outputs, using assertions, and monitoring performance metrics. Share examples of specific instances where you identified and resolved problematic bugs, illustrating your analytical thinking and attention to detail.

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What methodologies do you implement for optimizing ASIC designs?

Explain your approaches for optimizing ASIC designs by discussing techniques like power optimization, timing closure, and area minimization. Share your experiences in applying best practices and using tools to analyze results. Providing examples from past projects where you successfully implemented these methodologies can strengthen your answer.

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Describe a significant challenge you faced during an ASIC project and how you overcame it.

In response to this question, share a specific challenge you encountered during an ASIC project, such as timing violations or power constraints. Discuss the steps you took to analyze the issue, collaborate with your team, and implement solutions. Highlight the outcome and what you learned from the experience, reflecting your resilience and teamwork skills.

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How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in ASIC design?

When discussing how you stay updated, mention specific resources like industry journals, conferences, and online courses you follow. Emphasize your proactive approach to learning and how you've integrated new technologies or techniques in your past projects, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.

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What is your experience with silicon validation?

Share your background in silicon validation by summarizing the processes you’ve been involved with, such as bring-up testing and regression. Discuss any tools you've used and how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams during the validation phase. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on experience in ensuring functionality and performance of ASIC products.

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How would you define success in your role as a Senior ASIC Design Engineer?

Defining success in your role should focus on your contributions to projects that meet or exceed performance metrics, functionality requirements, and adherence to timelines. Mention your commitment to collaboration and innovation within your team, as well as continuously enhancing quality and efficiency in your designs.

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How do you handle tight deadlines in ASIC projects?

Explain your approach to managing tight deadlines by discussing time management strategies, prioritization, and effective communication with your team. Provide an example of a project where you successfully navigated a tight timeline, highlighting how you kept stakeholders informed and maintained quality under pressure.

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What role do you think collaboration plays in ASIC design engineering?

In your response, address the importance of collaboration by describing how cross-functional teamwork can lead to more innovative solutions and higher quality designs. Share examples that illustrate successful collaborative efforts and how they enhanced project outcomes.

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What tools and languages are essential for efficiency in ASIC design?

Mention various tools and languages critical for ASIC design efficiency, including SystemVerilog for design, Python for automation, and verification tools. Describe your experience with these tools and how they contributed to the streamlining of your workflows and project execution.

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

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 20, 2025

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