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Sr Principal Engineer Software (Cloud Network & AI Security) - 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

Join our Cloud Network and AI Security team and contribute to developing next-generation virtualization and service offerings for our Next-Gen firewalls and AI Runtime security solutions. You will be pivotal in designing and implementing new features and integrations across various cloud environments including public and private clouds, and Kubernetes clusters, focusing particularly on core platform and network improvements in both virtual machines and container form factors.

Your Impact

  • Design and implement new features and integrations for virtualization features across diverse cloud environments and deployments
  • Engage in all phases of the product development cycle from concept definition, design, through implementation, and testing
  • Develop comprehensive functional specifications, evaluate task requirements and timelines, and contribute to design, development, debugging, and support processes
  • Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies, various hypervisors, system software, and networking

Qualifications

Your Experience 

  • Strong expertise in programming languages such as C, Python, and Go
  • Proficiency in low-level linux systems programming technologies such as eBPF
  • Familiarity with cloud service architectures, including compute, networking, load-balancers, and identity management
  • Experience with cloud deployments on platforms like Azure, AWS, and GCP
  • Knowledge of Experience with network virtualization technologies like DPDK, XDP
  • Strong knowledge in network security fields like stateful firewall, packet processing, and network ACL
  • Strong scripting skills in bash and Python
  • Experience with Kubernetes and CNI is preferred
  • Familiarity with Terraform/CFT/PowerShell ARM templates
  • 10+ years of related engineering experience

Education

  • BS/MS degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or equivalent or equivalent military experience

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 $170000 - $277000YR. 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

$223500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$170000K
$277000K

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 Principal Engineer Software (Cloud Network & AI Security), Palo Alto Networks

At Palo Alto Networks, we're on a mission to protect our digital way of life, and we're seeking a talented Sr Principal Engineer Software specializing in Cloud Network & AI Security to join our innovative team in Santa Clara, CA. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity by creating groundbreaking virtualization and service offerings that will enhance our Next-Gen firewalls and AI Runtime security solutions. You'll engage in all phases of the product development cycle, bringing your expertise to the design and implementation of new features in a variety of cloud environments, including both public and private clouds and Kubernetes clusters. With a hands-on approach, you’ll dive deep into virtualization technologies, transforming ideas into functional solutions. If you're passionate about low-level Linux system programming, have a knack for coding in languages like C, Python, and Go, and enjoy working alongside a team that values collaboration and innovative thinking, this is the role for you. We believe in balancing individual needs with team dynamics, which is why we offer flexible working arrangements while primarily working in our office to foster those valuable in-person interactions. At Palo Alto Networks, you'll be part of a team that's not just about business, but about building a secure future together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sr Principal Engineer Software (Cloud Network & AI Security) Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the main responsibilities of a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks, your primary responsibilities include designing and implementing new features for our cloud network and AI security solutions, engaging in the entire product lifecycle, and developing functional specifications. You're expected to work closely with virtualization technologies and ensure seamless integrations across different cloud environments and deployments.

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What qualifications are required for the Sr Principal Engineer Software position at Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Sr Principal Engineer Software position at Palo Alto Networks, candidates should have strong programming skills in languages such as C, Python, and Go, as well as proficiency in low-level Linux systems programming. A solid understanding of cloud service architectures and prior experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, along with a minimum of 10 years of engineering experience, are crucial for this role.

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Is experience with Kubernetes necessary for the Sr Principal Engineer Software role at Palo Alto Networks?

Yes, experience with Kubernetes is preferred for the Sr Principal Engineer Software role at Palo Alto Networks. Familiarity with container network interfaces (CNI) also adds value to your application, as the role includes working on cloud deployments that often utilize containerization.

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What education background is expected for a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

Palo Alto Networks typically requires candidates for the Sr Principal Engineer Software position to have a BS or MS degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or equivalent military experience. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for tackling complex engineering tasks in cybersecurity.

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How does Palo Alto Networks support employee development for the Sr Principal Engineer Software position?

Palo Alto Networks supports the development of its employees through personalized learning opportunities, extensive well-being programs, and a FLEXBenefits wellbeing account that covers a wide variety of supportive services. As a Sr Principal Engineer Software, you will have access to resources that help enhance your skills and contributions within the team.

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Common Interview Questions for Sr Principal Engineer Software (Cloud Network & AI Security)
Can you describe your experience with low-level Linux system programming?

In your response, highlight specific projects or tasks where you have utilized Linux system programming. Discuss your familiarity with tools like eBPF and how you have used these technologies to enhance security or performance, making sure to relate your experience back to what is relevant for the Sr Principal Engineer Software role.

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What virtualization technologies have you worked with in the past?

When answering, provide examples of virtualization technologies you have experience with, such as hypervisors, DPDK or XDP. Discuss how you integrated these technologies into cloud environments, focusing on your problem-solving methodology and the impact of your work on previous projects.

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How would you approach designing a new feature for cloud network security?

Explain your design philosophy, emphasizing a user-centric approach. Detail how you would gather requirements, analyze existing solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to draft a comprehensive design for a new feature that enhances cloud network security.

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Describe your experience with scripting and automation in cloud environments.

Provide examples of your proficiency with scripting languages like Bash and Python. Discuss projects where you've automated deployment processes or implemented Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, underscoring the benefits achieved through automation.

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What is your understanding of network security concepts relevant to the Sr Principal Engineer Software role?

Discuss key network security concepts such as stateful firewalls, packet processing, and access control lists (ACLs). Relate these concepts to your past experience, showcasing how knowledge in these areas has enabled you to develop more secure systems.

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Can you explain your familiarity with cloud service architectures?

Share your understanding of cloud architectures, touching on key components like compute, networking, and identity management. Illustrate your familiarity through examples of projects or responsibilities involving deployments on platforms like AWS or Azure.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is your experience with Kubernetes and containerized applications?

Detail your hands-on experience with Kubernetes, emphasizing how you've deployed, managed, or scaled containerized applications. Highlight specific challenges faced and how you overcame them to achieve successful deployments.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you stay updated on the latest trends in cloud and AI security?

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, or engaging with technical communities. Mention any relevant certifications or courses completed that showcase your commitment to continuous learning.

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Describe a challenging engineering problem you faced and how you resolved it.

Be specific about a significant challenge, explaining the technical context and your approach to problem-solving. Discuss the steps taken to analyze the problem, implement a solution, and what you learned from the experience.

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What do you believe is the future of cybersecurity, particularly in the cloud space?

Share your perspective on emerging trends such as AI-driven security solutions, zero trust architectures, or the increasing importance of privacy legislation. Explain how these trends may impact the role of engineers in shaping secure cloud environments and how you envision contributing to that future.

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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
January 31, 2025

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