> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4544323-distinguished-engineer-for-the-cortex-platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4544323-distinguished-engineer-for-the-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).

---

# Distinguished Engineer for the Cortex Platform

- **Company:** Palo Alto Networks
- **Location:** United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $248,700.0 - $341,250.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, ARM Architecture, Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Engineering, Cyber Security, Computer Programming, Databases, Computer Engineering, Distributed Data Store, Distributed Systems, Elasticsearch, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Python (Programming Language), Network Architecture, Software Engineering, Load Balancing, Cloud Platform System, Large Language Models, Concurrency, Backend, Agentic-AI, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Cortex XSOAR Platform, Restful APIs, Stream Analytics, Data Pipelines, Serverless Computing, Microservices
- **Published:** November 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/distinguished-engineer-software-cortex-platform-paloaltonetworks-com-10655879

## About the Role

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
 * 14+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a focus on distributed, cloud-native application development.
 * Expert-level programming skills in Python, Go, with proven experience building large-scale distributed systems.
 * Strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including concurrency, networking, operating systems, databases, and storage systems.
 * Extensive experience with cloud development, including REST APIs, databases, serverless computing, and microservices architectures.
 * Demonstrated experience as a hands-on technical lead or architect on complex software projects.
 * Experience architecting or implementing AI/ML-powered systems and familiarity with modern LLM-based technologies.
 * Exceptional technical judgment, communication, collaboration, and the ability to influence senior technical and business leaders., * 8+ years of hands-on experience with specific cloud technologies such as ElasticSearch, Google Pub/Sub, or similar.
 * Deep understanding of public cloud design considerations, including security, global network infrastructure, and load balancing.
 * Proven ability to make data-driven trade-off judgments and excellent troubleshooting skills to isolate and resolve complex issues.
 * Experience working in an agile environment with cross-functional teams to deliver full-stack products at scale.
 * Familiarity with security operations, threat detection, cloud security posture management, and cyber security fundamentals.

#LI-HYBRID

## Description

As a Distinguished Engineer for the Cortex Platform, you will serve as a key technical leader driving the innovation, development, and scaling of our industry-leading cybersecurity products, including Cortex Cloud, XSOAR, XDR, and XSIAM. You will architect shared infrastructures and tackle complex backend challenges to deliver exceptional value to thousands of enterprise customers. Leveraging AI-native architectures and cloud technologies, you will optimize data processing pipelines and distributed systems. This role requires a visionary approach and a passion for solving the world's most critical cybersecurity threats., * Drive long-term technical vision and architecture for critical Cortex platforms and services.

 * Design highly scalable, secure, and cost-efficient distributed systems for processing massive data volumes.
 * Serve as a technical leader, providing consultation and collaborating across engineering teams to ensure alignment.
 * Lead cross-team architecture decisions, balancing scalability, performance, operational complexity, and engineering velocity.
 * Architect and optimize cloud-native infrastructure, data pipelines, distributed storage, and real-time analytics platforms.
 * Own and resolve complex technical challenges spanning multiple services, teams, and cybersecurity products.
 * Drive adoption of AI-native architectures, agentic AI, and intelligent automation across engineering workflows.
 * Identify opportunities to apply AI to accelerate development, testing, troubleshooting, and overall operational efficiency.