Principal Engineer Software (XSOAR)

Cortex Platform – Cortex is the industry's only open and integrated, AI-based, continuous security platform. Cortex is a significant evolution of the Application Framework designed to simplify security operations and considerably improve outcomes. Deployed on a global, scalable public cloud platform, Cortex allows security operations teams to speed the analysis of massive data sets.

Job Summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to become a vital part of our Cortex backend engineering group, primarily focusing on the development and maintenance of our Cortex products, including Cortex XSOAR, Cortex XSIAM and new Cortex AI solution. Our team operates with high efficiency and swift decision-making processes.

In this role, you will design and implement robust backend services for Cortex XSOAR, a leading-edge security orchestration, automation, and response platform. This position requires a solid background in software engineering, with proficiency in Go and Python, and a keen interest in tackling complex technical challenges within the cybersecurity sphere. As a member of our dynamic team, you will also contribute to creating innovative AI-based solutions leveraging the Cortex product line, enhancing shared Cortex infrastructures and components.

We value candidates who are proactive, passionate about problem-solving, and committed to delivering substantial impact to thousands of customers. This role is an exceptional opportunity for those eager to advance Cortex XSOAR with AI-driven capabilities and make a significant mark in the cybersecurity industry.

• Lead full lifecycle development of backend features for Cortex XSOAR on-prem

and SaaS (security orchestration platform): from requirements gathering, architecture/design, implementation, testing, deployment, through to production support and maintenance.

• Work closely with peers across different teams and disciplines to shape

solutions and integrate with other parts of the product. Working on “shared responsibility” type of products.

• Production oriented approach with providing real time mitigation and

solutions to production issues.

• Engage with customers and support teams to help troubleshoot and fix issues.

• M.S/B.S degree in Computer Science or equivalent and 8+ years of software

engineering experience, including development of a scalable server-side application

• 5 + years of extensive hands-on programming skills in Go and Python
• 7 + years experience with production troubleshooting and customer response

• Strong computer science fundamentals (e.g. understanding of lock-free data

• Proven Experience with cloud platforms (e.g. GCP / AWS / Azure)
• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as

• Advanced proficiency in Linux/Unix operating systems (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu)

• Working with AI tools and developing tools to ease work
• Experience with distributed computing (understand implications of CAP

theorem, master election, brain split problem)

• Hands-on experience with SQL/NoSQL based databases
• Experience with distributed computing (understand implications of CAP

theorem, master election, brain split problem)

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 (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here [https://benefits.paloaltonetworks.com/].

$156,400.00 - $253,000.00/yr

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary