Senior Principal Software Engineer - Network Security - PanOS

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/yr

Immigration Sponsorship

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes

EEO & Confidentiality Statement

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.