Sr Staff Hardware Engineer

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
We are seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to support the development and optimization of thermal solutions for PAN (Product Area Network) products. In this role, you will collaborate directly with mechanical engineers to design, evaluate, and improve thermal systems. You will ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in all thermal aspects of our NPI (New Product Introduction) and sustaining programs.
Your Impact
Support all PAN product development thermal effort in both NPI & Sustaining
Support ASIC team in the determining thermal package performance prior to release for manufacture
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to co-develop NPI product thermal solutions
Conduct early-stage thermal feasibility studies and case studies to evaluate design viability & product environmental requirements
Create, present and maintain thermal simulation models throughout the product development from conceptual to FCS
Optimize both internal and external thermal design solutions to ensure high-quality, low-cost solutions
Attend regularly scheduled engineering meetings to review progress and updates
Co-present thermal solutions, risk during system design reviews at each release
Support thermal profiling testing. Review and approve the final thermal reports prior to each mechanical release
Assist with sustaining thermal efforts when requested, ensuring long-term product performance
Support PAN NPI sustaining programs during early development phases, including tasks like air temperature plots, junction/case temperatures, enclosure touch temperatures, and heat spreader/heat sink design guidelines
Provide practical recommendations on thermal interface materials, assembly mounting, and overall thermal solution performance

Qualifications
Your Experience
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of both active and passive thermal design solutions
Strong understanding of telecom 19" rack and desktop design solutions
Ability to work across functional teams, including hardware engineering, operations, manufacturing, and quality teams
Excellent understanding of ASIC package design
Communication
Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate thermal concepts and collaborate with various stakeholders
Experience
3-7 years of experience in PAN product design, specializing in both passive and active cooling solutions
Flowtherm & Icepak modeling capabilities
Education
PhD, MS, or BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent military experience required
Additional Information
You will be an integral part of our product development lifecycle, providing essential thermal solutions for both new product introductions and sustaining programs
This role requires flexibility and a proactive mindset, as you will be supporting multiple efforts simultaneously across various stages of development

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.

$120,700.00 - $195,175.00/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.