Principal Engineer Software (Platform Software, NGFW) - NetSec

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

Job Summary As a Principal Software Engineer in the Platform Software group, you will be instrumental in designing and developing our cutting-edge Next-Generation Firewall platforms. You will own the full product development lifecycle, from initial design and platform bring-up to implementation and deployment. This role involves deep collaboration with cross-functional hardware and software teams to build consistent, secure, and high-performance platform software. Your expertise will directly contribute to the foundation of the products that protect our customers' digital way of life. Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of software for Next-Generation Firewall platforms, from concept to field deployment. Develop and maintain platform software, including kernel/user-space drivers, platform security features using TPM, and third-party switch/fabric provisioning. Proactively collaborate and exchange information with cross-functional teams including Hardware, ASIC, QA, and Manufacturing to ensure seamless platform integration. Challenge the status quo by proactively identifying and advocating for product improvements, innovations, and new features based on internal and external feedback. Simplify complex systems by developing consistent and maintainable platform software across all Next-Gen Firewall platforms. Troubleshoot and debug complex software issues at the system level to ensure robust, high-quality product releases. Focus on the details of platform bring-up for both pizza-box and chassis-based systems, ensuring stability and performance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications 10+ years of experience in software development for networking products, including device drivers and hardware bring-up. Expert-level C programming and debugging skills. Proven experience with low-level platform software and Linux device drivers (e.g., PHY, Switch SDK, Storage). Strong scripting skills in Python and/or Bash. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Linux Kernel development and high-availability mechanisms. Knowledge of platform security technologies such as TPM, FIPS, and Common Criteria (CC) certifications. Experience with Intel DPDK, cellular modem bring-up, x86, or MIPS architecture.

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  [email protected].

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.