Principal Engineer Software

Principal Engineer Software

You will be responsible for the design, development, and testing of scalable, distributed management plane infrastructure software and features. This software serves as the core operating system for all of Palo Alto Networks' next-generation network and cloud security solutions, placing you at the heart of our innovation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Owning the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from initial conceptualization and architecture through to implementation and final deployment.
• Collaborating proactively with team members to develop and implement next-generation software architecture for our security platforms, ensuring alignment on technical direction.
• Innovating, scoping, and delivering new management features by translating feedback from customers, partners, and technical support into actionable product enhancements.
• Designing and developing highly scalable management infrastructure software for managing devices in hybrid (on-premise and cloud) deployments.
• Taking ownership of feature development, working closely with product management, development, and quality assurance groups in a fast-paced, execution-focused environment.
• Engaging seamlessly with Cloud Services and on-premise engineering teams to deliver state-of-the-art, integrated security solutions and infrastructure.
• Troubleshooting and resolving complex issues in the product to ensure a high-quality output and stable product design.

Required qualifications include:

• MS/BS in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 12+ years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Proven experience developing on a Linux platform.
• Expert-level programming skills in C/C++, Python, or Go.
• Fundamental experience in network and/or security appliance/solution development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently architect and deliver large, complex software solutions.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with Shell scripting.
• Experience with large-scale management infrastructure in a distributed, high-availability environment.
• Deep knowledge of distributed systems, concurrent application development, and Linux operating systems.
• Experience with authentication protocols (e.g., RADIUS, LDAP, Kerberos, SAML) and integration with Layer 7 proxies like Envoy.
• Strong understanding of the HTTPS protocol and experience with packet debugging tools like tcpdump and Wireshark.

Our engineering team is at the core of our products and 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.