Principal Software Engineer, Network Security
Real job — pulled straight from Palo Alto Networks’s careers page · Verified July 19, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
Palo Alto Networks is hiring a Principal Software Engineer, Network Security — a full-time, based in Santa Clara, CA role ($170k–$277k). Apply directly on Palo Alto Networks's careers page below.
Sr. Principal Software Engineer - Network Security - PanOS
Location: Santa Clara, United States of America, San Francisco, United States of America, San Jose, United States of America
Remote Type: No
Time Type: Full time
Job Description
Our Mission
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.
Who We Are
In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!
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 Summary
The Team
Engineering - 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.
Job Summary
We are seeking innovative engineers to design and develop security features for our next-generation firewalls. As a key member of the Layer-7 Security group, you will take ownership of your focus areas, applying your programming skills to solve real-world security problems. You will collaborate with multi-functional teams including product management, quality assurance, and field support throughout the entire software development cycle. This role requires a drive to build global products and a passion for bringing new ideas to the security discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Innovate, design, and develop new security features in our next-generation firewalls, focusing on Layer 7 identity and inspection.
Develop functional specifications, assess task requirements and scheduling, and assist in development, debugging, and support.
Suggest and implement improvements to the development process.
Clearly communicate goals and desired outcomes to internal project teams.
Interview, mentor, and coach new team members.
Identify performance bottlenecks and continuously implement improvements.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical/military experience
12+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant time in senior technical leadership roles
Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages on Unix-based platforms.
Solid understanding of software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile practices.
Preferred Qualifications
In-depth knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, and familiarity with security protocols such as TLS and L4-L7 protocols.
Experience working with TLS and Web proxies.
Experience in developing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and security.
Excellent understanding of various AI agents and ability to use them as a co-pilot.
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/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.
$170,000.00 - $277,000.00/yrOur Commitment
We’re trailblazers that dream big, 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 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.
Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes
Get Software Engineer jobs like this→
New roles from thousands of companies land hourly, straight from their careers pages. Get the freshest matches by email so you never miss one.
Email me new jobsSimilar jobs
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks?
The estimated salary range for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks is $170,000 - $277,000 USD per year.
What skills are required for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks?
The required skills for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks include: C, C++, Unix, TCP/IP, AI, Agile, Python.
What is the seniority level for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks?
Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks is a Principal / Senior level position.
How do I apply for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks?
You can view the full description and apply for Principal Software Engineer, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/palo-alto-networks-sr-principal-software-engineer-network-security-panos-hlbx3.