Principal Software Test Engineer (Network Security)

Palo Alto Networks

Principal Software Test Engineer (Network Security)

Santa Clara, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    Your Career

    Palo Alto Networks NGFW (Next Generation Firewall) group is looking for a seasoned and accomplished QA/Automation engineer with experience in validating core networking & security features in the QA team.

    You will be part of a world-class software test engineering team that works on various ground-breaking technologies (Cloud Identity, Data Loss Prevention, Post quantum cryptography, IoT Security etc) in the Layer 4-7 domain. You will work with a multi- functional team of engineers solving interesting problems in the area of L4-7 security.

    We are looking for highly motivated engineers who have intellectual curiosity, love the challenge of solving complex problems with variable factors and creativity in obtaining solutions. We are looking for leaders who take ownership of their areas of focus and who are driven to pursue problems at every level. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture and we need engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with multi-functional teams towards achieving a common goal.

    Your Impact

    • Work in a small and fast paced team to solve important customer problems and deliver most impactful results
    • Contribute in all phases of end to end product and solution validation
    • Work with different development and quality assurances groups to achieve the best quality
    • Suggest and implement improvements to the QA process
    • Work with DevOps and the Technical Support teams to troubleshoot customer issues
    • Interview, mentor and coach new team members
  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    Qualifications/Experience

    • AI-Driven Testing & Development (Key differentiator)
      • Practical experience using AI-based tools to accelerate coding, test generation, debugging, and refactoring
      • A demonstrated passion for researching and applying innovative, AI-based testing methodologies to improve engineering productivity.
    • Core Technical Qualifications
      • 10+ years of dedicated QA experience and expert-level proficiency in Python.
      • Deep working knowledge of the TCP/IP stack and key application layer protocols (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS).
      • Extensive hands-on experience testing network and/or cybersecurity products.
      • Familiarity with security domains such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), post-quantum cryptography or threat detection etc.
      • Proven expertise in designing and implementing test frameworks, utilizing commercial test suites, developing custom tools, and driving comprehensive automation strategies.
    • Professional Skills & Preferred Experience
      • Superior problem-solving skills with the ability to distill complex system issues into clear, concise, and actionable bug reports.
      • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within and across engineering teams to achieve shared quality goals.
      • (Preferred) Hands-on experience with public cloud infrastructure (GCP, AWS, Azure) and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins).
    • Foundational Requirements
      • **** A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
      • Equivalent military experience in a relevant technical field will be considered.

    Additional Information

    The Team

    Our engineering team is at the core of our products – 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.

    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/commissioned roles) is expected to be between $147,000/yr to $200,500/yr. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

    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 accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.

    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.