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# Principal Software Engineer (Backend-Focused)

- **Company:** Palo Alto Networks
- **Location:** Santa Clara, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $170,000.0 - $277,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Cursor (Graphical User Interface Elements), Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Data Streaming, TypeScript, Data Processing, ReactJS, Technical Debt, Backend, Front End Software Development, Golang
- **Published:** September 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/senior-principal-engineer-software-unit-42-paloaltonetworks-com-8587962

## About the Role

* 10+ years of backend-heavy experience with proven success in distributed systems (Go/Python/Java).
 * Expert-level proficiency in AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude); you optimize your workflow and the team's workflow around them.
 * Strong desire to mentor and develop junior engineering talent, with a demonstrated ability to transition from a high-impact individual contributor to a technical leader.
 * Comfortable reading, debugging, and architecting data flow with frontend teams (React/TypeScript) to ensure seamless API and state integration.

## Description

Unit 42 offers industry-leading threat intelligence and incident response. As a Sr Principal Software Engineer (Backend-Focused), you will be the primary technical leader responsible for architecting and modernizing the backend infrastructure that powers Unit 42's intelligence platforms. This role is for a 'Full-stack aware' engineer who prioritizes backend resilience and scalability, is an expert in leveraging AI-assisted environments like Cursor or Claude to maximize code velocity, and will initially own critical backend initiatives as an Individual Contributor while preparing to grow and mentor a team of junior backend engineers., * Champion the use of AI tools (Cursor/Claude) throughout the development lifecycle to enforce coding standards, automate boilerplate, and accelerate technical debt resolution.

 * Lead the design and implementation of highly resilient, distributed backend services (Go, Python, C++), prioritizing deep backend architectural health while maintaining sufficient frontend literacy to guide full-stack product outcomes.
 * Act as an Individual Contributor for complex, greenfield backend projects, establishing the technical roadmap and mentorship framework to guide and grow junior backend engineers as the team scales.
 * Bridge the gap between threat research data and scalable service architecture, ensuring that our backend systems are built for long-term maintainability and high-throughput data processing.


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