Palo Alto Networks

Principal Software Engineer (Prisma Access)

In short

This role leads the design, architecture, and deployment of core network data path services for Prisma Access, Palo Alto Networks' SASE cloud security platform, running across AWS, GCP, and OCI at massive global scale. The company is a major cybersecurity vendor, and the position drives a high-performing engineering organization spanning cloud architecture, SRE operations, CI/CD automation, and cross-functional roadmap strategy. It demands 10+ years of software development experience in cybersecurity and high-performance networking (DPDK, IPSec, routing protocols, TCP/SSL/UDP), proficiency in Java or Python, and hands-on experience with AI-assisted development workflows (Claude, Cursor, Agentic Harnesses). The job is onsite at the company's California headquarters.

# Principal Software Engineer (Prisma Access)
Job Summary
As a Principal Software Engineer for Prisma Access, you lead the design, architecture, and deployment of core network data path services within the Prisma Access platform, Palo Alto Networks' flagship Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) cloud-delivered security solution.
You are responsible for driving a high-performing engineering organization focused on building, scaling, and optimizing resilient, multi-cloud, and cloud-native network data path and enterprise network connectivity solutions running at massive global scale across AWS, GCP, and OCI.
Key Responsibilities & Impact
•Cloud Architecture & Infrastructure Scale: Architect and scale multi-cloud environments (AWS, GCP, OCI) using Kubernetes, Terraform, and service meshes (e.g., Istio) to maintain high availability and low-latency security enforcement.
•Platform Operations & SRE: Ensure strict adherence to SLAs, SLOs, and SRE best practices for uptime, disaster recovery, capacity planning, and incident response.
•Observability & Deployment Automation: Oversee CI/CD pipelines, and improve monitoring, logging, and alerting for cloud workloads.
•Cross-Functional Strategy: Partner with Product Management, Architecture, Security, and Customer Support to define roadmaps, manage technical tradeoffs, and align release predictability with enterprise business goals.
Qualifications — Your Experience
•10+ years of progressive software development experience in cybersecurity, cloud networking infrastructure, high performance networking (DPDK, IPv4/v6) and network fabric related areas
•Strong knowledge in IPSec, networking routing protocols, and TCP/SSL/UDP Networking
•Experience with SASE technologies such as Zero Trust Network Access, and SD-WAN
•Proficient in Java or Python
•1+ years of hands-on experience driving AI transformation in Engineering by leveraging Agentic engineering, AI-assisted development workflows, building deep familiarity with Claude, Cursor, Agentic Harnesses and Autonomous AI driven workflows
•Experience in dealing with L7 application protocols is a huge plus
•Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and to work in a fast paced, innovative environment
•Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
Compensation Disclosure
The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.
$156,400.00 - $253,000.00/yr
Immigration Sponsorship
Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes

Stop applying.
Get referred.

$10 in free credits

In just 60 seconds, fully on autopilot — Eraldt's AI agents read your CV, map the roles you fit, find live vacancies and the people who can refer you, write personal emails, and get you referred.

This isn't an application: your CV doesn't go to the company, and we don't promise a referral for this exact role.

Discover who else lands interviews on autopilot