Senior Principal Engineer Software, NGFW (NetSec)

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks, we're united by a shared missionto 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

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

We are looking for motivated, smart, hardworking and passionate individuals to join the Next-gen Firewall dataplane team. You will be part of a world-class software engineering team that works on various cutting-edge technologies for the firewall. As a member of a data plane networking software group, you will be responsible for designing and developing the next-generation firewall. You will take ownership for large software components, work with product management on real life customer requirements, apply your knowledge to functional design, utilize your programming skills for efficient and robust implementation, and interact with quality assurance and field support teams in the whole software development cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for development of NextGen Network Security Components and Protocols for state-of-the-art firewalls deployed at Enterprise, Data Center, Cloud, and Service Provider environments.
• Lead the development of L2-L4 network security features, including stateful TCP/UDP inspection, across both hardware and virtual platforms.
• Develop scalable flow architecture for packet processing pipeline using DPDK for multi-core platforms and interface with ASIC functions.
• Develop scalable software solutions for a distributed session architecture spanning across a cluster of firewalls.
• Support critical customer escalations and provide root cause analysis in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with multi-functional team members on feature requirements, including Product Management, QA, and Support, to ensure alignment.
• Act as a product visionary, generating ideas for a competitive edge, making effective decisions, and independently driving tasks to completion.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant software engineering experience.
• Expert in common network protocols such as TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, and multicast.
• Expert in dataplane technologies like DPDK-based packet processing, performance tuning, and packet latency/loss analysis.
• Strong experience in packet processing, parsing, networking (L2-L4) protocols/architecture, and Layer-2/Layer-3/Layer-4 packet flow.
• Expertise in computer architecture, cybersecurity, and distributed systems.
• Expert C, Python, and Shell script programming skills.
• Proven experience as a technical lead in networking domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience using Broadcom/Marvell chips for switching, QoS, and interface management.
• Strong experience in C++/JAVA programming and understanding of XML/JSON.
• In-depth understanding of common software vulnerabilities and their mitigations.
  
  

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.

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 [Confidential Information].

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 No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.