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
We are seeking a motivated, smart, and passionate Senior Staff Engineer to join our Next-gen Firewall data plane team. You will be part of a world-class software engineering team working on cutting-edge firewall technologies. In this role, you will design and develop the next-generation firewall, take ownership of large software components, and collaborate with product management, QA, and support teams throughout the entire software development lifecycle to address real-world cyber-attacks.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop NextGen Network Security Components and Protocols for state-of-the-art firewalls in 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.
• Design and develop a scalable flow architecture for the packet processing pipeline using DPDK for multi-core platforms.
• Create scalable software solutions for a distributed session architecture that spans a cluster of firewalls.
• Proactively collaborate and exchange information with multi-functional teams like Product Management and QA on feature requirements and design.
• Provide root cause analysis and support for critical customer escalations in a timely manner.
• Take ownership of tasks and assignments, acting as a product visionary and making effective decisions to drive features to completion.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of strong experience in large-scale software development with in-depth C programming and robust debugging skills.
• Strong experience with software development on Unix/Linux platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, specifically L3 and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF).
• Strong technical knowledge of computer architecture, systems engineering, and core system infrastructure (e.g., IPC, clustering, High Availability).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Python and Shell scripting.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute across all phases of the software development lifecycle, from definition and design through implementation and testing.
• A proactive, can-do attitude with the ability to take initiative and drive open issues to completion.

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