Principal Security Researcher (Advanced Threat Prevention)

Your Career

You will be part of the team that builds and delivers the threat detection capabilities powering Palo Alto Networks Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP). The ATP detection team is responsible for decoding network protocols identifying applications and detecting threats across our enterprise customers networks.

As a Principal Security Researcher you will play a key leadership role in shaping detection methodologies and driving multiple projects in parallel. You will not only propose innovative ideas and deliver them into production but also mentor and guide other researchers ensuring the team continues to raise the bar. This is a unique opportunity to influence Palo Alto Networks detection strategy at scale while making a measurable impact on protecting enterprises worldwide from advanced threats.

Your Impact

• Propose innovative detection ideas and lead the design and delivery of 23 major projects simultaneously.

• Mentor and guide 23 junior or mid-level researchers providing both technical direction and career development support.

• Drive advanced research into vulnerabilities Zero-Day exploits and emerging attack vectors and translate findings into effective IPS and ML-based detections.

• Ensure rapid response to Zero-Day vulnerabilities with IPS protections released to customers within 24 hours.

• Reverse engineering efforts to uncover new vulnerabilities and build proactive defenses.

• Define detection methodologies for complex or emerging attack vectors ensuring scalability and robustness across products.

• Partner with product QA and cross-functional engineering teams to align detection strategy with product roadmap and customer needs.

• Represent the team in technical discussions internally and externally helping shape industry direction in threat prevention.

Qualifications :

Your Experience 

• Strong leadership and communication skills with proven ability to mentor and guide other researchers.

• Deep technical expertise in exploit techniques such as buffer overflows use-after-free format string XSS SQL injection CSRF MITM and DoS.

• Extensive knowledge of core network protocols including HTTP UDP FTP SMTP DNS and SMB.

• Proficiency in analyzing network traffic using tcpdump Wireshark or equivalent tools.

• Experience applying AI/ML to security problems is highly desirable.

• Advanced proficiency in Windows and Linux development environments.

• Strong programming skills in scripting and system-level languages (Python Bash Perl C/C).

• Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools (Metasploit Burp Suite Nmap) and debugging tools (WinDbg OllyDbg GDB) is a strong plus.

• BS/MS in Computer Science Computer Engineering or related field or equivalent professional/military experience.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading multiple projects end-to-end with measurable impact.

• Publications or presentations at top security conferences (e.g. Black Hat DEF CON) are a strong plus.

• Ability to influence detection strategy within the team and across related groups.

Additional Information :

The Team

We are on a mission to build the industrys best Security large language model.

Our engineering team is at the core of our products connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. We are constantly innovating challenging the way we and the industry think about cybersecurity. Our engineers dont 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.

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 $157000 - $255000//YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

Were problem solvers that take risks and challenge cybersecuritys status quo. Its simple: we cant accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need please contact us at  .

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age ancestry color family or medical care leave gender identity or expression genetic information marital status medical condition national origin physical or mental disability political affiliation protected veteran status race religion sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation or other legally protected characteristics.

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

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship: Yes

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time