Senior Principal Security Researcher, Palo Alto Networks
Wildfire
$162.7-263.2k
More information about location
Leading cybersecurity protections and software platform
Job no longer available
Leading cybersecurity protections and software platform
1001+ employees
Job no longer available
$162.7-263.2k
More information about location
1001+ employees
Company mission
To be the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.
Role
Who you are
- 10+ years of deep technical experience in malware analysis (static/dynamic) and reverse engineering
- Deep experience with OS internals (Windows/Linux/macOS)
- Proven track record of designing high-performance, distributed systems for automated threat analysis at scale
- Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, Golang, C++
- A self-starting “can-do” attitude with the ability to lead cross-functional projects independently while mentoring junior researchers
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
- BS/MS in Computer Science or related fields with security research experience
Desirable
- Experience building or fine-tuning AI agents to autonomously triage alerts, summarize malware behavior, or generate detection content via LLMs
- Experience with public cloud development (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure)
- PhD in Cybersecurity or a related field
What the job involves
- Engineering - Our engineering team is at the core of our products and connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks
- We are constantly innovating — challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity
- Our engineers don’t shy away from building products to solve problems no one has pursued before
- We define the industry instead of waiting for directions
- We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of a challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment
- As a Security Researcher on the WildFire Team, you will play a crucial role in developing automated defenses against emerging and sophisticated threats and malware
- Part of the Cloud Delivered Security Service (CDSS) organization, our team is dedicated to innovating and delivering cutting-edge security services
- Your expertise will be instrumental in translating deep threat knowledge into scalable, productized detection capabilities to combat cyber threats
- Lead the deep-dive analysis of emerging malware and advanced persistent threats
- Maintain an authoritative command of the global threat landscape to preemptively identify shifts in adversary tactics
- Architect and validate next-generation detection methodologies, leveraging different approaches to build automated systems
- Drive the full software development lifecycle for scalable, extensible prevention systems from architecture to deployment
- Act as the primary conduit between Research and Engineering teams, ensuring discoveries are integrated into product features
- Represent the company as a subject matter expert through high-impact white papers, industry conferences, and patent filings
Application process
- End Date: 11 May 2026
Our take
With cyber threats evolving at lightening speed, businesses need robust solutions to protect their data and infrastructure. And the global cybersecurity market is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing cyberattacks and the adoption of digital transformation initiatives. Because of this, companies are seeking security platforms that can address these challenges efficiently.
That's where Palo Alto Networks steps in, a frontrunner in the cybersecurity arena. It offers a suite of AI-powered security solutions designed to safeguard enterprises across various sectors. Its platforms, such as Cortex XSIAM and Prisma AIRS, integrate advanced threat detection, zero trust architecture, and real-time response capabilities so organizations are ready to manage and mitigate risks.
Its leadership is evident too, with impressive growth and strategic partnerships. Recently the company surpassed $1.5M in sales through the Google Cloud Marketplace, highlighting the demand for its innovative security solutions. Additionally, a collaboration with AT&T aims to enhance cybersecurity offerings, further solidifying its position in the market.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Funding (2 rounds)
Sep 2022
$34m
SERIES A
May 2022
$11m
SEED
Total funding: $45m
Company benefits
- Healthcare: We value your health and provide options so you can choose what best supports your lifestyle and personal health goals. Various nationwide plans — including Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, VSP, and more — are available to you and your family. Our providers offer the flexibility you want and the coverage you need
- Wellness: With a large on-site gym and daily, instructor-led exercise classes at HQ in Santa Clara, Palo Alto Networks actively supports employee fitness. Our juice bar, Gym & Juice, features fresh juice blends, a quick and nutritious option pre- or post-workout. And our ongoing wellness speaker series highlights the latest trends in health and wellness
- Development: Professional development is serious business at Palo Alto Networks, where the Talent Development team offers 25+ courses to help employees boost their careers and develop leadership capability
- Financial: Most roles are eligible for equity grants, and we now offer new hires a quarterly vesting schedule right away. We want you to be fairly compensated and rewarded as soon as you make an impact – on our team, that happens immediately! And because we consider every employee a stakeholder in our long-term success, we offer an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a 24-month lookback. From life insurance to health savings accounts, we provide ways to help you protect and grow your wealth. Palo Alto Networks offers both traditional and Roth 401(k) options, along with a company match of 50% to a max annual amount of $1,000
- Time Off: In addition to paid corporate holidays, Flexible Time Off programs empower our employees to balance their work schedules with personal time off. We offer 12 weeks of full pay for medical leave and 6 weeks of full pay for parental leave. As a company with strong ties to the military and veterans, we also offer 26 weeks of full pay for military leave
- Perks: Our corporate discount program provides employees with significant discounts on merchandise, travel and entertainment. We offer many on-site perks at headquarters, including cafeterias, fuel service, dry cleaning service, EV charging stations, and a company store. We also provide complimentary drinks, fresh fruit, and snacks in break rooms across our campus to help everyone power through the day. Life at Palo Alto Network
Company HQ
Santa Clara, CA
Leadership
Nikesh Arora
(CEO & Chairman)Previously the President and COO at SoftBank, CBO at Google, and CMO at T-Mobile.
Nir Zuk
(Founder & CTO)Previously CTO at NetScreen Technologies, which was acquired by Juniper Neworks in 2004. They also co-founded OneSecure where they served as CTO and was the Principal Engineer at Check Point Software Technologies.
Lee Klarich
(CPO)Initially joined Palo Alto in 2006 as the EVP of Product Management and became CPO in 2018. Prior to this, they were the Director of Product Management at Juniper Networks and a Product Line Manager at NetScreen Technologies.
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