Principal Software Engineer (Malware Detection)

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

Your Career

As a member of the Wildfire team, you will be responsible for prototyping, and rapid development of next-generation malware detection systems and tools. Success will require innovation and persistence in the face of unforeseen issues and outright failures. You will take ownership for implementing solutions to complex, multi-system problems; for creating tools and techniques which enable industry redefining research and development. This is a role for experienced professionals.

Your Impact

• Work on designing and renovating the Wildfire analyzer to advance into a new generation of multi platforms cloud service platform, for both static and dynamic analysis.

• Work with threat researchers to analyze malware and security threats to determine and close the gaps in coverage with new or improved static and dynamic analysis.

• Architect and design with the team and document complex systems.

• Write scalable and testable software using modern cloud architectures

• Collaborate within the team and across organizations to influence and achieve the end goal.

• Expand cloud offering to improve detection against new malware threats

Qualifications

Your Experience

• Proficient in C++, Python and Linux development environment

• 6+ years experience as a Security Researcher or Software Engineer

• Experience working on sandbox technology and malware analysis

• Experience with large scale File/Data Parsing development is preferred

• Understanding of cloud service and Kubernetes are preferred

• Ability to work with small teams to solve complex problems

• Can-do attitude on problem-solving, quality and ability to execute

• BS/MS/PhD in computer science/engineering, or equivalent experience

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 ( .

$162,700.00 - $263,175.00/yr

Our 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 View email address on click.appcast.io .

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