Sr Principal Software Engineer (Data Plane, Networking, SASE) - Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

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 every day - 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.

Your Career

As part of the Network Security dataplane team, you are responsible for developing and innovating solutions for Palo Alto Networks next-generation Firewalls and Prisma Access Cloud. Specifically in the areas of network security, high throughput networking, next generation cluster and data plane architecture.

You will also be responsible for innovation, developing proof of concept and productizing 'new' ideas by implementing them and collaborating with team members.

Your Impact

• Responsible for development of NextGen Network Security Components and Protocols for State-of-the-art firewalls deployed at Enterprise, Data Center, Public/Private Cloud, and Service Provider environments
• Development of features and architecture for NextGen Security Hardware and Virtual platforms in areas of Network Security/Threats and stateful TCP/UDP inspection
• Develop scalable flow architecture for packet processing pipeline for multi-core platforms
• Develop scalable software solutions for a distributed session architecture spanning across a cluster of firewalls
• Work with multi-functional team members on feature requirements, including but not limited to Product Management, QA, Support, etc
• Product visionary, ideas on competitive edge, Effective decision maker, take ownership and independently drive, lead tasks and assignments

Your Experience

• BS Degree in Computer Science and 10+ years of work experience or MS Degree in Computer Science with 8+ years experience or equivalent military experience required
• Proficient coding skills in C/C++/Python and large scale software development on Unix/Linux
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong technical knowledge in computer architecture and operating systems
• Strong experience in large scale software development on Unix/Linux & TCP/IP
• Network infrastructure, Firewall, Load balancing concepts and Security implementations is a plus
• Can-do attitude and ability to take initiative and drive open issues to completion
• Good communication skills to work effectively with multi-functional groups
• Attention to details and high behavioral standards
• Strong leadership skills with a can-do attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Security background in general and security programs knowledge in particular is a bonus

The Team

We are the Prisma Access SASE data plane team. Our engineering team is at the core of our products – delivering the best of security services on the cloud to prevent 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 - $277000/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. 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.