> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/57747-principal-software-engineer-cortex-xpanse](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/57747-principal-software-engineer-cortex-xpanse). 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 Xpanse) - **Company:** Palo Alto Networks - **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $147,000.0 - $237,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, ARM Architecture, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Continuous Integration, Data as a Services, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, Software Organization, Cloud Platform System, Apache Spark, Technical Debt, Backend, Integration Frameworks, Api Design, Restful APIs, Data Pipelines, Apache Beam, Golang, Microservices - **Published:** May 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/9BC900C71F0C45EBBB6BB3AC51B752AD/job/ ## About the Role * 7+ years of professional experience in software engineering, with a proven track record of designing, developing, deploying, and supporting complex, scalable software systems. * Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, or Golang. * Extensive experience with API design and development, including RESTful APIs and microservices architecture. * Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining data pipelines and ETL processes. * Working knowledge of data processing frameworks and tools (e.g., Apache Spark, Apache Beam, or similar). * Significant experience with software development best practices, including CI/CD, automated testing, and agile methodologies. * Significant experience working with at least one major cloud platform (e.g., GCP, AWS, or Azure), and their data services. * Proven experience driving design and implementation of technical solutions in the face of ambiguity-we will ask you about this. * Experience and interest in mentoring other engineers in order to contribute to the technical growth of the team. ## Description As a Principal Software Engineer on this team, you will contribute to the entire development lifecycle of our systems. Your responsibilities will range from designing and building scalable backend services and APIs to developing robust frameworks and internal tools. You will work on creating efficient, reliable systems that support our platform's core functionalities and enable other engineering teams to build and innovate effectively., * Design, build, and maintain the core services and data pipelines for our Attack Surface Management platform. * Take part in architecture strategy sessions-work with your colleagues to design solutions that accommodate the requirements of the various modules across Cortex. * Collaborate with your team to solve problems, reduce technical debt, and evolve development practices. * Drive technical best practices and evangelize new technologies within the engineering organization. * Collaborate with other engineers and ensure that your team delivers high-quality output. * Take ownership of projects, drive them to completion, and support them in production. ## Related Videos - [API Design - Getting Started](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/33-api-design-getting-started) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Go with the Flow: Stop the Leaks Before Your Memory's a Waterfall!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100073-go-with-the-flow-stop-the-leaks-before-your-memory-s-a-waterfall) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Super scaling for the Super Bowl: How to survive 30 million users hitting your backend in 30 minutes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100356-super-scaling-for-the-super-bowl-how-to-survive-30-million-users-hitting-your-backend-in-30-minutes) - [Rest API Antipatterns](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100208-rest-api-antipatterns) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [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) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What Makes WeAreDevelopers World Congress Different From Every Other Tech Event?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/701-what-makes-wearedevelopers-world-congress-different-from-every-other-tech-event)