Principal Engineer Software (cortex Cloud)

Forge The Future Of Cloud Security

At Palo Alto Networks®, we're united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you're ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you're in the right place.

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That's why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it's needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

The Cortex Cloud Team is the most foundational team within Palo Alto Networks. Our goal is to unify the experience across PANW Business Units, making us the core integration point for all future innovation. This is where you get to build a platform that could eventually power the entire company.

Job Summary

Do you thrive on solving monumental engineering challenges at massive scale? Are you ready to architect the foundational cloud security platform that protects the world's largest enterprises? Palo Alto Networks' Cortex Cloud is one of the fastest-growing business units in cybersecurity, and we are looking for a Principal Backend Engineer to anchor our Cortex backend engineering group. You'll be a security pioneer, designing and scaling the core backend infrastructure for the Cortex Cloud Platform. Your work will directly impact the security posture of thousands of customers across AWS, Azure, and GCP. This isn't just a role—it's your chance to own projects and architecture that define the future of cloud defense.

Key Responsibilities

The Principal Impact

• As a technical leader, you'll be the driving force behind high-impact projects, moving them from initial concept to full-scale deployment
• Own the Architecture: Lead the design and implementation of large-scale, resilient distributed systems
• Drive Execution: Serve as the project lead, aligning key stakeholders—from product management and UX to fellow engineering teams—to ensure seamless, timely delivery
• Cross-Functional Mastery: Act as a technical consultant and collaborator across team boundaries, proactively identifying and mitigating risks in design and execution
• Data at Scale: Design, build, and optimize data models and high-performance queries using cutting-edge technologies like MySQL and BigQuery to handle massive data throughput
• Mentor and Elevate: Actively mentor and guide engineers across the department, raising the bar for engineering excellence and best practices

Preferred Qualifications

The Core Experience

• You are a seasoned engineer who lives and breathes cloud-native development and is ready to step into a principal role
• 7+ years of progressive software engineering experience, with a heavy focus on developing cloud-native applications at scale
• Expert-level programming skills in at least one of: Python, Go, or Java
• Deep practical experience in distributed systems architecture and microservices
• Proven ability to build and deliver high-volume services, leveraging technologies like ElasticSearch, Pub/Sub, REST APIs, and serverless computing
• Exceptional troubleshooting abilities and a "can-do" attitude when faced with complex, ambiguous problems
• A strong understanding of public cloud design considerations (security, networking, load balancing) and the limitations of building services at a global scale
• Experience acting as a hands-on tech lead or architect, making data-driven trade-off judgments

Salary 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 $147000/YR - $237500/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. We're 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 accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com. 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.