Principal Software Development Engineer | Cortex Detection team (Backend)
Palo Alto Networks · Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
- On site
- Full-time
- $180,000 / year
- Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
Job highlights
- Lead backend development for next-gen threat detection.
- Architect and build scalable data analytics systems.
- Mentor elite engineers and drive technical excellence.
- Collaborate on product roadmap and security research.
- Own full software development lifecycle in Agile.
About the role
Job Summary
The Cortex is expanding, combining startup energy with the resources of a cybersecurity leader. We manage petabytes of data and are looking for engineers to invent the next generation of threat detection. As a Principal Software Development Engineer on the Cortex Detection Backend team, you will be a technical leader influencing the product roadmap, mentoring engineers, and building systems to protect sensitive organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect & Innovate: Design and build new capabilities for Data Analytics and Threat Detection, solving novel cloud security challenges.
- Scale Without Limits: Ensure microservices architecture is robust and resilient under massive loads, processing millions of events per second.
- Technical Leadership: Act as a technical sounding board, mentor, guide design discussions, conduct research, and foster engineering excellence.
- Strategic Collaboration: Work with Product Management, R&D leaders, and Security Researchers to define requirements and create elegant technical solutions.
- Drive Execution: Own the software development life cycle, ensuring high-velocity delivery in a fast-paced Agile environment.
Key skills/competency
- Backend Software Engineering
- Kubernetes
- Microservices Architecture
- SQL
- NoSQL
- Data Modeling
- Performance Optimization
- High-Availability Environments
- Technical Leadership
- Agile Development
Skills & topics
- Principal Software Development Engineer
- Backend Engineer
- Cortex Detection
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Security
- Kubernetes
- Microservices
- SaaS
- Go
- Python
- GCP
- Data Analytics
- Threat Detection
- System Architecture
- High Availability
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 8+ years of backend experience, Kubernetes, microservices, and large dataset expertise.
- Showcase leadership: Emphasize experience leading technical projects and mentoring teams.
- Demonstrate ownership: Detail your track record of owning production systems and solving bottlenecks.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on system design, distributed systems, and your preferred backend languages.
- Research Palo Alto Networks: Understand their mission, values, and cybersecurity focus to align your application.
Technical preparation
Master Kubernetes and microservices design patterns.,Deep dive into SQL/NoSQL data modeling.,Practice system design for high-load scenarios.,Code complex backend features in Go or Python.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex technical challenge you solved.,How do you mentor junior engineers effectively?,Share an experience of cross-functional collaboration.,How do you handle ambiguity in project requirements?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the core responsibilities of a Principal Software Development Engineer at Palo Alto Networks' Cortex team?
- As a Principal Software Development Engineer on the Cortex Detection Backend team, you will architect and build new capabilities for data analytics and threat detection, ensure the scalability and resilience of microservices, provide technical leadership and mentorship, collaborate strategically with product and research teams, and drive execution within an Agile environment.
- What technical skills are most important for this Principal Software Development Engineer role?
- Key technical skills include 8+ years of backend software engineering experience, deep proficiency in modern backend languages, extensive experience with Kubernetes and microservices architecture, a strong understanding of SQL and NoSQL databases (including data modeling and performance optimization), and expertise in scaling high-availability environments.
- Does Palo Alto Networks offer immigration sponsorship for this Principal Software Development Engineer position?
- No, Palo Alto Networks will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this Principal Software Development Engineer position.
- What is the preferred background for a Principal Software Development Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?
- Preferred qualifications include experience in high-scale SaaS or cybersecurity environments, deep proficiency in Go or Python, and practical experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- How does Palo Alto Networks approach collaboration and work arrangements for engineering teams?
- Palo Alto Networks believes that collaboration thrives in person, and most engineering teams work from the office full-time, with flexibility when needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving and stronger relationships.
- What kind of impact can a Principal Software Development Engineer make at Palo Alto Networks?
- You can influence the product roadmap, mentor elite engineers, and build systems that protect thousands of the world's most sensitive organizations, directly contributing to the company's mission to protect our digital way of life.
Similar roles
Open positions we recommend based on this role.
Principal/Senior Engineer Software (KSPM- Agent)
Palo Alto Networks · Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv District, Israel
AI Security - AI Platform Engineer
Cato Networks · Tel Aviv District, Israel
Senior Automation Infrastructure Engineer - CAS (Cortex Cloud)
Palo Alto Networks · Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
Senior Staff Engineer Software
Palo Alto Networks · Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel