Job Description

Company Description
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 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
As a Principal Software Engineer on the Next-generation Firewall data plane team, you will be a key member of a world-class team working on cutting-edge security technologies. You will take ownership of designing and developing large software components for our next-generation firewall, translating real-world customer requirements into functional designs. Your expertise will be crucial in building efficient, robust solutions that tackle real-world cyber-attacks and define the future of cybersecurity.
Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation network security components and protocols for state-of-the-art firewalls deployed in enterprise, data center, and cloud 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 pipelines using DPDK for multi-core platforms, and interface with ASIC functions.
• Create scalable software solutions for a distributed session architecture spanning across a cluster of firewalls to ensure high availability and performance.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, QA, and Support, to ensure alignment on feature requirements and successful delivery.
• Provide timely root cause analysis and resolutions for critical customer escalations, demonstrating accountability and advanced problem-solving skills.
• Contribute to the product vision by generating innovative ideas that provide a competitive edge, and independently drive tasks from conception to completion.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 9+ years of software development experience with strong expertise in C programming and robust debugging skills.
• Proven experience in large-scale software development on Unix/Linux environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of computer architecture and systems engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, specifically at the L3 layer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF.
• Experience with core system infrastructure design, including IPC, clustering, and High Availability (HA).
• Proficiency in Python and Shell scripting.

Additional Information
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 .
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.

Skills Required