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Senior Staff Engineer Linux - C/C++ (Prisma Access) - job 1 of 2

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

Prisma Access™ combines the Internet connectivity/security you need - and delivers it everywhere you need it. Using cutting-edge public and private cloud technologies, it extends the next-generation security protection to all cloud services and to its customers regardless of whether they are on-premise, on remote networks or mobile users. 

One part of Prisma Access™ is our GlobalProtect team, which is responsible for securing the network traffic from Customer devices to Prisma Access™ Cloud. We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design, develop and deliver next-generation technologies within our GlobalProtect team. We want passionate engineers who love to code and build great products and who bring new ideas in all facets of software development. We are looking for leaders who take ownership of their areas of focus and who are driven to solve problems at every level. Collaboration and teamwork are at the foundation of our culture and we need engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with others towards achieving a common goal.

Your Impact

  • Lead the innovation, development, and maintenance of a secure access Prisma Access client on the Linux Platform, while spearheading the progression of the Prisma Access agent to establish it as a foundational product.

  • Collaborate with product management to craft strategic roadmaps that elevate Endpoint capabilities and ensure smooth integration with the new Prisma Access agent.

  • Design scalable system architectures, participate in team-wide initiatives, and deliver immediate resolutions to production challenges to guarantee a seamless user experience.

  • Provide mentorship and coaching to team members to foster their professional growth.

 

Qualifications

Your Experience

  • 5+ years of experience in software development with a focus on Linux.

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in Linux systems programming, with a deep understanding of Linux kernel internals and system-level programming.

  • ​​Familiar with multiple Linux distributions: RHEL, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.

  • Proficiency in C/C++ programming languages, with a strong emphasis on Linux.

  • Familiarity with the RUST programming language is a plus.

  • Knowledge of networking protocols and troubleshooting tools specifically on Linux platforms.

  • A team player with a can-do attitude, ready to tackle complex problems and eager to learn and grow.

  • Skilled at collaboration and effective communication across multiple teams.

  • M.S./B.S. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Preferred Qualities

  • A fast learner who adapts quickly to new tools and technologies
  • Enjoys solving challenging problems and working across cross-functional teams

Additional Information

The Team

Our engineering team is at the core of our products – connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. We are constantly innovating – challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity. Our engineers don’t shy away from building products to solve problems no one has pursued before.

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 $126000/yr - $175500/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

$150750 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$126000K
$175500K

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 Senior Staff Engineer Linux - C/C++ (Prisma Access) , Palo Alto Networks

Are you ready to take your engineering skills to the next level? Join Palo Alto Networks as a Senior Staff Engineer focusing on Linux and C/C++ for Prisma Access in sunny Santa Clara, CA. We're on a mission to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, and we want passionate individuals like you to help us deliver next-generation security solutions. In this role, you’ll be diving into exciting challenges by leading the development of secure access clients on the Linux platform. Your knack for designing scalable system architectures combined with a deep understanding of Linux will help enhance our Prisma Access agent, providing seamless connectivity and security for our global customers. We are not just looking for someone to code; we want someone who thrives in collaboration and is eager to share ideas and mentorship with the team. Every member of our team plays an integral role in shaping our products and, ultimately, the safety of our digital lives. If you’ve got over five years of software development experience with a solid background in Linux systems programming and C/C++, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s innovate together and create a safer digital world. With our focus on ongoing learning and personal growth, you can be sure that your career will flourish here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Staff Engineer Linux - C/C++ (Prisma Access) Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the key responsibilities of a Senior Staff Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Senior Staff Engineer specializing in Linux and C/C++ at Palo Alto Networks, you will lead the innovation and development of secure access clients for the Prisma Access platform. This role involves collaborating with product management on strategic roadmaps, designing scalable system architectures, and troubleshooting production challenges to ensure a seamless user experience.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Staff Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Senior Staff Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of software development experience focusing on Linux, with 2 years in Linux systems programming. Proficiency in C/C++ and familiarity with multiple Linux distributions such as RHEL and Ubuntu are essential. A degree in Computer Science or related fields is also necessary.

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What does a typical day look like for a Senior Staff Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

A typical day for a Senior Staff Engineer at Palo Alto Networks involves leading coding sessions, collaborating on complex project specifications, participating in team meetings for strategizing product development, mentoring junior engineers, and solving entrepreneurial challenges related to our Prisma Access platform. It's fast-paced and highly collaborative.

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What skills are advantageous for a Senior Staff Engineer in the Prisma Access team at Palo Alto Networks?

Skills that are particularly advantageous for a Senior Staff Engineer in the Prisma Access team include a strong understanding of networking protocols, knowledge of troubleshooting tools on Linux platforms, and familiarity with the Rust programming language. Additionally, effective communication and strong collaboration skills are highly valued.

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Is there potential for career growth for a Senior Staff Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

Absolutely! Palo Alto Networks offers a robust environment for career growth. As a Senior Staff Engineer, you will have opportunities to take on leadership roles, contribute to innovative projects, mentor other engineers, and continuously develop your skills with our emphasis on personal growth and ongoing learning.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Staff Engineer Linux - C/C++ (Prisma Access)
Can you describe your experience with Linux systems programming?

When responding, highlight specific projects or tasks where you applied Linux systems programming. Discuss the challenges faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your depth of knowledge about Linux kernel internals.

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How do you approach designing scalable architectures?

Illustrate your approach by discussing the principles you adhere to, such as modular design or microservices. Provide a concrete example where your designed architecture improved performance or reduced complexity.

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What coding practices do you follow to ensure high-quality code?

Share your preferred coding practices, such as code reviews, unit testing, or following coding standards. Emphasize how these practices enhance collaboration and product quality within your team.

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What networking protocols are you familiar with, and can you give examples of how you've used them?

Explain specific networking protocols relevant to the role, like TCP/IP or HTTP, and provide scenarios demonstrating your practical experience with these protocols in previous roles.

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How do you keep up with new technologies and trends in cybersecurity?

Detail your strategies, such as following industry blogs, enrolling in online courses, or attending tech meetups. Highlight any specific technologies you've recently adopted or explored in your work.

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Can you describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex issue in a production system?

Provide a structured response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on your analytical skills and any collaborative efforts made to resolve the issue.

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What is your experience with mentorship and leading teams?

Discuss any formal or informal mentoring roles you've held, your philosophy on leadership, and specific instances where you've helped others grow in their roles.

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Why do you want to work at Palo Alto Networks?

Articulate your enthusiasm for Palo Alto Networks' mission in cybersecurity and how it resonates with your career goals. Mention specific aspects of the company culture that attract you.

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What challenges do you foresee in the development of the Prisma Access client?

Identify potential challenges such as evolving cybersecurity threats or technological shifts. Discuss strategies you would implement to address these challenges proactively.

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How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced work environment?

Share your approach to prioritization, possibly mentioning tools you use or methodologies like Agile that help manage tasks effectively. Provide an example demonstrating your ability to handle competing deadlines.

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

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DATE POSTED
March 31, 2025

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