Sr Principal IT Software Engineer - Sales Compensation Systems

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks , we're united by a shared mission-to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you're ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you're in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That's why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it's needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

Your Career
As the Sr Principal IT Software Engineer - Sales Compensation Systems, you will oversee our Sales Commissions Systems as a strategic product, focusing on delivering innovative solutions that enable complex sales plans. This role demands a blend of product management prowess and a deep understanding of sales dynamics, allowing you to set a clear vision and direction for sophisticated, scalable compensation solutions. You will tackle challenges using a first principles approach, ensuring solutions meet current needs and anticipate future industry shifts. You will collaborate closely with the Sales Operations and Compensation Operations team, ensuring the pinnacle of innovation and accuracy in all compensation matters. This role is crucial for managing the fiscal year transition and supporting the ongoing success of our sales team.
Your Impact
Lead the development and implementation of advanced sales compensation systems that support complex and dynamic sales strategies.
Define and articulate the vision and strategic direction for sales compensation systems, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching goals.
Employ a first principles methodology to identify and address fundamental challenges in sales compensation, driving innovation from the ground up.
Continuously assess the industry landscape, identifying inflection points and opportunities for strategic advantage through enhanced compensation solutions.
Develop and refine sales compensation systems as robust products, focusing on scalability, user experience, and integration with other business systems.
Partner strategically with Sales Operations and Compensation Operations to ensure our compensation systems enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
Lead fiscal year transitions with precision, ensuring that changes in compensation structures are seamlessly implemented and well-communicated.
Innovate and improve system capabilities to handle evolving sales strategies and compensation structures.
Ensure the accuracy and reliability of all compensation-related data and systems.
Provide strategic leadership and guidance to a team of compensation system professionals. Fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration.
Collaborate with IT Engineering and system developers to enhance system functionalities and user experience.

Qualifications
Your Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 15 years experience in sales compensation, Sales operations, or a related field, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role.
Strong understanding of sales compensation plans and systems.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and implement solutions based on a first principles approach.
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to set vision, direction, and motivate teams.
Deep industry knowledge, with a keen sense of when and how to pivot strategies based on market conditions and technological advancements.
Proven ability to manage large-scale projects and transitions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated the ability to collaborate across departments.
Strong analytical skills with a proven track record of managing complex projects and transitions in dynamic environments.
Experience with compensation applications, SAP commission, SFDC, and robust data management skills is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Agile development methodologies (Scrum/Kanban).
Prior experience working in a Principal or Director-level capacity, demonstrating ownership over a significant product area.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical and business concepts to executive audiences.

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/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$223,000.00 - $306,500.00/yr

Our Commitment

We're trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity's status quo. It's simple: we can't 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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.