Palo Alto Principal Software Engineer Network Security - QA 

United States, California 

147861391

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

Your Career

As an experienced test engineer, you will apply your skills to define test methodologies and execute comprehensive test plans for our hardware and software firewall products. Your contributions will help ensure we deliver high-quality, reliable solutions to our customers.

Leveraging various test equipment and Linux-based open-source tools—alongside your knowledge of CPUs, FPGAs, ASICs, and networking protocols up to Layer 7—you will strengthen our testing practices and validate the stability and functionality of our solutions throughout development. From hands-on manual testing to automation with Python, you’ll explore and implement innovative techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our QA processes.

Beyond technical excellence, strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, as you'll engage with Product Line Managers, Program Managers, Engineers, and cross-functional teams across the organization.

A forward-thinking mindset and the ability to adapt and integrate in-house AI tools to drive improved outcomes will set you up for long-term success in this role.

Your Impact

• Collaborate within a small, fast-paced, and highly focused team to solve critical customer challenges and deliver high-impact outcomes.

• Partner with cross-functional development and QA teams to ensure the highest quality across software and hardware platforms.

• Provide technical feedback by reviewing Product Requirement Documents, Functional Specifications, and test strategies to influence product development and ensure alignment with quality standards.

• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and methodologies that validate functionality across layers—from individual components to full-stack network layers (L2–L4)

• Design and implement Python-based automation frameworks, tools, and scripts to improve regression test coverage, execution efficiency, and platform validation.

• Build and maintain automation infrastructure and testbeds to support scalable, repeatable testing.

• Foster a culture of excellence and best practices through collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement across teams and disciplines.

Your Experience

• 10+ years of experience as a Software and/or Network Test Engineer, validating routers, switches, and firewalls across Layers 1–7

• Deep expertise in platform/software testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and test execution across Linux environments

• Strong background in network protocols (TCP/IP, routing, application-layer), dataplane forwarding, and troubleshooting using packet capture, CLI tools, and log analysis

• Skilled with traffic generators such as Spirent, Ixia BreakingPoint, as well as virtualization platforms like ESXi, OpenShift

• Strong understanding of modern network design, implementation, and troubleshooting, with additional experience in computer/network lab setup and maintenance

• Proven track record of delivering new platforms/products to market with end-to-end QA ownership, including high availability, clustering, and scalability testing

• Strong communication, collaboration, and project leadership skills, with a history of cross-functional teamwork and quality delivery

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field required; Master’s degree or equivalent military experience preferred

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.

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 $147,000 - $237,500/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.