Palo Alto Senior Director Technical Operations - Test 

United States, California 

258139703

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

Your Career

In addition to traditional operations leadership, this role will play a critical part in creating and executing our AI and automation strategy across technical operations. You will lead the integration of AI-driven analytics, intelligent diagnostics, and automated test systems to enhance product quality, reduce downtime, and improve decision-making at scale.

Your Impact

• Lead the Technical Operations organization across manufacturing engineering, test engineering, NPI, and component engineering, ensuring seamless product delivery at every product lifecycle stage.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, scalable test and automation strategy across NPI, sustaining, and repair lines optimizing for reliability, cost efficiency, and ease of manufacturability.

• Champion the adoption of AI-powered analytics, predictive diagnostics, and automated decision systems to improve operational agility and manufacturing intelligence.

• Oversee the design and deployment of next-generation test infrastructure, diagnostic tools, and AI-enabled analytics platforms for predictive failure analysis and proactive performance optimization.

• Scale manufacturing and integration processes from low- to high-volume production, with a focus on yield improvement, cost control, and global scalability.

• Collaborate with senior leaders in Hardware, Software, Platform Engineering, and Product Management to ensure tight alignment between product design and operational execution.

• Manage strategic relationships with contract manufacturers and suppliers, aligning capacity, capabilities, and timelines with growth objectives.

• Define, monitor, and report on key operational KPIs, delivering data-driven insights and leading continuous improvement initiatives across all technical operations.

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of engineers and technical program managers, promoting a culture of innovation, ownership, and collaboration

Your Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or Industrial Engineering; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

• 12+ years of experience in technical operations or hardware manufacturing, including 5+ years in senior/executive leadership roles.

• Proven expertise in test engineering, including automation, embedded systems, and diagnostic development.

• Hands-on experience with ICT, JTAG, boundary scan, and functional test methodologies.

• Proficient in Python, LabVIEW, C++, and working with cloud-based data systems for test and manufacturing analytics.

• Demonstrated success in launching and scaling complex hardware products with global contract manufacturing partners.

• Strong track record of leading cross-functional teams, resolving technical challenges, and driving continuous improvement.

• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and executive presentation skills.

• Highly analytical, metrics-driven, and comfortable working in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

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 (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/commissioned roles) is expected to be between $231000 - $317000/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found .

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