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# Principal Software Engineer - Network Security

- **Company:** Palo Alto Networks
- **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $147,000.0 - $237,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Application Layers, Unix, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Software Debugging, Network Security, Software Engineering, TCP/IP, Information Technology, Software Version Control
- **Published:** September 6, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.themuse.com/jobs/paloaltonetworks/principal-software-engineer-network-security-panos-a862bb

## About the Role

* Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical/military experience
 * 12+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant time in senior technical leadership roles
Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages on Unix-based platforms.

 * Solid understanding of software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile practices., * In-depth knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, and familiarity with security protocols such as TLS and L4-L7 protocols.
 * Experience working with TLS and Web proxies.
 * Experience in developing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and security.
 * Excellent understanding of various AI agents and ability to use them as a co-pilot.

## Description

We are seeking innovative engineers to design and develop security features for our next-generation firewalls. As a key member of the Layer-7 Security group, you will take ownership of your focus areas, applying your programming skills to solve real-world security problems. You will collaborate with multi-functional teams including product management, quality assurance, and field support throughout the entire software development cycle. This role requires a drive to build global products and a passion for bringing new ideas to the security discipline., * Innovate, design, and develop new security features in our next-generation firewalls, focusing on Layer 7 identity and inspection.

 * Develop functional specifications, assess task requirements and scheduling, and assist in development, debugging, and support.
 * Suggest and implement improvements to the development process.
 * Clearly communicate goals and desired outcomes to internal project teams.
 * Interview, mentor, and coach new team members.
 * Identify performance bottlenecks and continuously implement improvements.


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