Want to get hired at Palo Alto Networks?

Principal Security Researcher

Palo Alto Networks

Santa Clara, California, United StatesOn Site

Original Job Summary

Company Description

At Palo Alto Networks, our mission is to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. We challenge the status quo with disruptive innovation and collaboration.

Your Career

The Principal Security Researcher is a technical expert skilled in malware reverse engineering and advanced detection systems. You will lead threat research, develop automated detection solutions using generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and agentic systems.

Your Impact

  • AI-Driven Detection & Automation: Lead machine learning projects, design and deploy generative AI security solutions.
  • Threat Research: Deconstruct complex threats and build next generation detection systems.
  • Research & Publication: Publish technical findings through blogs, white papers, and academic papers.
  • Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams in threat prevention and security.

Qualifications

  • BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
  • 6+ years in research/engineering, with machine learning in malware or detection systems.
  • Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Go, or C++.
  • Strong skills in reverse engineering, malware analysis or vulnerability research.
  • Experience with full software development lifecycle.

Additional Information

Our engineers work primarily in-office at Palo Alto Networks, promoting in-person collaboration. We encourage diverse perspectives and support your professional and personal growth through tailored wellbeing and learning programs.

Key skills/competency

  • Malware Reverse Engineering
  • Threat Research
  • Generative AI
  • Machine Learning
  • Python
  • C++
  • Security Solutions
  • Collaboration
  • Research Publication
  • Detection Systems

How to Get Hired at Palo Alto Networks

🎯 Tips for Getting Hired

  • Research Palo Alto Networks' culture: Study mission, values, and recent news online.
  • Customize your resume: Highlight malware analysis and reverse engineering skills.
  • Showcase technical projects: Include AI and ML security systems experience.
  • Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss complex threat research scenarios.

📝 Interview Preparation Advice

Technical Preparation

Review malware reverse engineering techniques.
Practice machine learning model development.
Study generative AI and LLM applications.
Refresh programming skills in Python and C++.

Behavioral Questions

Describe handling ambiguous threat research challenges.
Explain collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Discuss time management during high pressure.
Relate past experiences in innovative security solutions.