Our MissionAt 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 AreIn 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 SummaryYour CareerThe NGFW Customer Profile Test (CPT) group is seeking a seasoned Principal Software QA Engineer to lead customer-profile validation for complex enterprise deployments across on-prem and cloud security platforms.
In this high-impact role, you will operate at the intersection of Engineering, Product, and strategic customers-ensuring solution readiness for real-world environments. You will influence architecture and design discussions early in the development lifecycle, represent customer deployment scenarios, and drive enterprise-grade quality across releases.
This role extends beyond traditional QA. You will lead solution-level validation strategy, collaborate cross-functionally, and leverage AI-driven approaches to modernize testing, automation, and engineering productivity.
Your Impact- Define and lead solution-level validation strategy for complex NGFW and cloud security deployments
- Own end-to-end testing of customer-centric workflows across on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments
- Architect and maintain large-scale L3-L7 topologies simulating real-world enterprise scenarios
- Engage early in design discussions to identify risks and improve product quality before release
- Leverage AI to enhance intelligent test automation, regression optimization, log analysis, defect triage, and day-to-day engineering productivity
- Drive AI-based innovation initiatives to improve validation efficiency, predictive quality insights, and release confidence
- Partner with DevOps, Technical Support, Sales, and Customer Success teams to troubleshoot field issues and improve customer experience
- Mentor engineers and elevate quality engineering standards across the Solutions organization
- Continuously improve automation frameworks, scalability, and operational excellence
Qualifications Your Experience- Deep expertise in L3-L7 networking, routing, switching, and firewall/security technologies
- Strong experience testing complex enterprise deployments and customer use cases
- Advanced Python skills with proven experience building scalable automation frameworks
- Hands-on experience leveraging AI/ML tools or LLM-based systems to improve automation, analysis, or engineering workflows
- Understanding of AI/ML fundamentals, model behavior validation, data integrity, and reliability considerations
- Experience with GNU tools and traffic generation tools such as Spirent or Ixia
- Experience testing in virtualized and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
- Strong analytical, debugging, and cross-functional communication skills
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
- 8-12+ years of experience in networking and network security validation
Compensation DisclosureThe 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.
$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/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?: Yes
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