Principal Engineer Software (ngfw) - Netsec

Principal Engineer Software (NGFW) - NetSec

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.

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.

Job Description

As a member of the Platform Software group at Palo Alto Networks, you will participate in the design and development of our Next-Generation Firewall platforms. Responsibilities will include platform bring-up (both pizza-box and chassis-based platforms), platform security using TPM chip, development of both kernel and use-space drivers, provisioning of third-party vendor switch/fabric and the overall development of consistent platform software for all Next-Gen Firewall platforms.

As a Platform Software Engineer, you will be expected to participate in all phases of the product development cycle, from definition, design, through implementation, test and field deployment. This includes developing functional specifications, assessing task requirements and scheduling, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like ASIC, Hardware, Diags, Manufacturing, Quality assurance and Customer Support teams.

Your impact:

• Work from start to finish on product design, starting with conceptualization through to implementation and deployment
• Innovate new product features based on customer, partner, and technical support engineer feedback
• Proactively identify product features for improvement and innovation
• Troubleshoot changes to the product to ensure high quality output of product design

Qualifications

Your experience:

• 10+ years experience in design, development and support of networking products, device drivers and hardware bringup
• Experience with linux device drivers: PHY, Switch/Fabric SDK, Optics, Storage, POE controllers, FPGA
• Experience with low level platform software
• Expert level C coding/debugging skills
• Strong scripting skills with bash and python
• Experience with Linux Kernel development is a plus
• Experience with high availability mechanisms is a plus
• Experience with TPM, FIPS and CC Certifications is a plus
• Experience with Intel DPDK is a plus
• Familiarity with x86 and MIPS architecture is a plus
• Experience with Cellular modem bringup is a plus

Additional Information

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.

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

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.