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Sr Principal Engineer Software (Cloud NW - AI Security) Santa Clara, CA HQ onsite 3 days per week

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 NW - AI Security) Santa Clara, CA HQ onsite 3 days per week, Palo Alto Networks

Join the talented team at Palo Alto Networks as a Sr Principal Engineer Software focused on Cloud Networking and AI Security! Here in Santa Clara, CA, you'll be at the forefront of developing innovative virtualization and service offerings aimed at enhancing our renowned Next-Gen firewalls and AI Runtime security solutions. Imagine being a pivotal force in designing and implementing cutting-edge features across various cloud environments such as public and private clouds, including Kubernetes clusters. You'll engage in all phases of product development, from the initial concept through to design, implementation, and testing, ensuring that next-generation cybersecurity solutions are not just a dream, but a reality. With an emphasis on collaboration, we believe that great ideas stem from casual conversations—so expect to work onsite three days a week to foster those vibrant discussions! Your technical expertise will shine as you deal with low-level systems programming, virtualization technologies, and cloud service architectures. We're looking for individuals with extensive experience, particularly in programming languages like C, Python, and Go, and a passion for network security. If you’re ready to shape the future of cybersecurity in a supportive and innovative environment, then this role is for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sr Principal Engineer Software (Cloud NW - AI Security) Santa Clara, CA HQ onsite 3 days per week Role at Palo Alto Networks
What responsibilities does a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks have?

As a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks, you'll have the exciting responsibility of designing and implementing new features for our virtualization solutions across diverse cloud environments. This means engaging in all phases of the product development lifecycle, developing comprehensive functional specifications, and contributing effectively to the debugging and support processes, thus playing a pivotal role in enhancing cybersecurity solutions.

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What qualifications are needed 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 a strong background in programming languages like C, Python, and Go, and proficiency in low-level Linux systems programming. Experience with cloud service architectures and deployments on platforms such as Azure, AWS, and GCP is essential, along with a robust understanding of network security fields like stateful firewalls and packet processing.

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What can I expect in terms of work environment as a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

The work environment for a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks is collaborative and innovative, typically requiring employees to work full-time onsite for three days a week. This setup fosters open communication, encourages creative problem-solving, and helps build trusted relationships among team members, all while ensuring a flexible and supportive atmosphere that values each employee's unique contributions.

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What technologies will I work with as a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

In the Sr Principal Engineer Software role at Palo Alto Networks, you'll engage with various technologies including cloud deployments, virtualization technologies, and programming tools. Familiarity with Kubernetes, network virtualization technologies like DPDK, and scripting in Bash and Python will be highly beneficial as you contribute to enhancing our AI Runtime security solutions and Next-Gen firewalls.

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What is the expected salary range for a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks?

The salary range for a Sr Principal Engineer Software at Palo Alto Networks is competitive, with a starting base salary expected to be between $170,000 and $277,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Additionally, compensation may include bonuses and restricted stock units, emphasizing the company's commitment to valuing its team members financially.

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Common Interview Questions for Sr Principal Engineer Software (Cloud NW - AI Security) Santa Clara, CA HQ onsite 3 days per week
Can you describe your experience with virtualization technologies relevant to the Sr Principal Engineer Software role?

When answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with various virtualization technologies and hypervisors. Discuss specific projects where you designed or implemented virtualization features, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and any challenges you overcame within cloud architectures.

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How do you approach the product development lifecycle as a Sr Principal Engineer Software?

In your response, outline your systematic approach to the product development lifecycle. Share examples of how you've engaged in concept definition, design, implementation, or testing phases, and emphasize your collaborative skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

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What programming languages are you most proficient in, and how have you applied them in previous projects?

Here, you should detail your proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as C, Python, and Go. Provide specific examples of projects or tasks where you utilized these languages, elaborating on how they contributed to the overall success of the project, especially within a cybersecurity context.

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Describe a challenging network security problem you encountered and how you solved it.

For this question, think of a concrete example that illustrates your analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Focus on the challenges you faced, the steps you took to resolve them, and any tools or technologies used. Highlight your strategic thinking and collaborative efforts in finding an effective solution.

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How do you stay updated on trends in cloud service architectures and network security?

Discuss the various strategies you use to stay informed about industry trends, including attending conferences, reading industry publications, or participating in online forums. This shows your commitment to ongoing learning and your proactive approach to adapting to the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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What experience do you have with Kubernetes in relation to cloud deployment?

When addressing this question, share your specific experiences working with Kubernetes. Be prepared to describe projects where you implemented Kubernetes for deploying applications in cloud environments, detailing the setup, any challenges faced, and how you ensured scalability and security.

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How do you handle ambiguity and rapidly evolving requirements in engineering projects?

Here, it’s essential to demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability in dealing with changing project dynamics. Share a specific example where you successfully navigated ambiguity and turned it into actionable plans, showcasing your critical thinking and leadership abilities.

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Explain your familiarity with eBPF and its applications.

In your response, provide an overview of your understanding of eBPF, emphasizing any practical experience you've had using it in projects. Discuss its role in enhancing security, monitoring, or debugging, and how you've utilized it to solve specific engineering challenges.

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How would you contribute to fostering a collaborative environment at Palo Alto Networks?

Emphasize the importance of collaboration in your work style. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in team settings, contributed to knowledge sharing, or facilitated discussions to foster innovation and ensure project success, aligning these examples with Palo Alto Networks’ values.

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What are your thoughts on the future of AI in cybersecurity?

This is a chance to showcase your forward-thinking mindset. Discuss your insights on how AI technologies could revolutionize the cybersecurity industry. Relate ideas back to Palo Alto Networks’ mission, highlighting your eagerness to be part of this transformation through the Sr Principal Engineer Software role.

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

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DATE POSTED
March 29, 2025

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