> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2283861-principal-software-engineer-cortex-platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2283861-principal-software-engineer-cortex-platform). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Software Engineer (Cortex Platform)

- **Company:** Palo Alto Networks
- **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $147,000.0 - $237,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Server Applications, ARM Architecture, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, BigQuery, Code Review, Cyber Security, Computer Programming, Distributed Data Store, Distributed Systems, Elasticsearch, Python (Programming Language), NoSQL, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Google Cloud, Software Security, Backend, Kubernetes, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, Apache Flink, Cortex XSOAR Platform, Apache Kafka, Splunk, Serverless Computing, Docker, Microservices
- **Published:** August 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3367836873&tx=FL636FFI&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
 * 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, including the development of scalable server-side applications.
 * 7+ years of extensive hands-on programming skills in Go and/or Python.
 * Proven experience with major cloud platforms (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure).
 * Deep understanding of and experience with Microservices architecture (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker, Serverless).
 * Strong computer science fundamentals and experience with distributed computing concepts (e.g., CAP theorem, master election, distributed databases).

Preferred Qualifications

 * Experience with big-data architectures using technologies like Kafka, Splunk, or Flink.
 * Hands-on experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., BigQuery, Elasticsearch).
 * Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices.
 * Knowledge of cybersecurity, information security, or software security principles.

## Description

We are seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to join our Cortex backend engineering group, a team dedicated to developing, innovating, and scaling the Cortex Platform. In this role, you will contribute to the core backend of Cortex products like XSOAR, XDR, and XSIAM, as well as shared infrastructure. We are looking for a passionate engineer with a can-do attitude who thrives on solving complex problems and delivering value to thousands of customers., * Lead the end-to-end backend development of features and components, from design and development to testing, deployment, and maintenance.

 * Collaborate effectively with peers across diverse teams and disciplines to shape solutions and ensure seamless integration with other product components.
 * Drive team-wide technical excellence by actively participating in code reviews, design reviews, and architectural decisions.
 * Maintain a production-first mindset, providing real-time mitigation and solutions to production issues to ensure platform stability and customer satisfaction.
 * Challenge the status quo by exploring and applying new technologies and methodologies to innovate and scale the Cortex Platform.
 * Simplify complex systems by designing and implementing elegant, scalable, and maintainable backend services.
 * Mentor junior engineers, empowering others by sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of technical growth and accountability.


## Related Videos

- [Our journey with Spring Boot in a microservice architecture](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/511-our-journey-with-spring-boot-in-a-microservice-architecture)
- [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered)
- [Leveraging Real time data in FSIs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/806-leveraging-real-time-data-in-fsis)
- [Inside Bitpanda's Tech Stack: Scaling a European Fintech Leader - Markus Dorner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1979-inside-bitpanda-s-tech-stack-scaling-a-european-fintech-leader-markus-dorner)
- [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker)
- [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology)

## Related Articles

- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)
- [Everything a Developer Needs to Know About MCP with Neo4j](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/604-everything-a-developer-needs-to-know-about-mcp-with-neo4j)
- [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers)
- [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)