Principal Data Scientist

Company Description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we're looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Who We Are

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 Description

Your Career

Are you passionate about harnessing cutting-edge data science techniques to protect the world from cyber threats? Do you thrive in the dynamic world of cybersecurity? If so, we invite you to join our innovative and forward-thinking team at Palo Alto Networks, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity and impact millions of customers.

As a Principal Data Scientist, you will apply your expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and cybersecurity to build new defense techniques against cyber-villains. You will be a driving force in designing and developing groundbreaking, ML-based security solutions that block attacks even before they begin.

Your Impact

• Contribute to a diverse and highly skilled research group that pioneers state-of-the-art technologies to protect our customers
• Utilize analytical rigor, statistical methods, programming, and data modeling to analyze vast amounts of data, applying your cybersecurity knowledge to guide our focus and approach
• Design and implement LLM-based solutions to face modern cybersecurity challenges
• Decompose complex problems scientifically and provide actionable insights and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Lead and collaborate on end-to-end projects within the team and across engineering and product teams, from initial ideation to final deployment

Qualifications

Your Experience

• Natural scientific curiosity and ability to handle complex problems
• At least 4 years of experience in hands-on classic data science projects
• At least 2 years of experience in hands-on GenAI projects (preferably LLM) - This includes experience in building or fine-tuning mission-specific generative models, with emphasis on algorithmic design and large-scale deployment
• High proficiency in python and at least good familiarity with SQL
• Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field or equivalent military experience
• Deep understanding of probability, statistics, and machine learning models with a proven track record of selecting, modifying, and applying advanced algorithms to solve practical problems
• Demonstrated ability to run end-to-end research POCs, from conceptualization to solutions, including designing, executing, analyzing, and concluding research methodologies and outcomes
• Good communication skills, with the ability to convey complex research findings clearly and effectively to both technical and business audiences

Preferred experience

• Background in the cybersecurity domain
• Hands-on experience with open-source generative libraries (e.g., Hugging Face)
• Experience working with big data platforms (e.g., GCP)
• Familiarity with cloud-native architectures and services for data processing

Additional Information

The Team

Our engineering team is at the core of our products and connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. We are constantly innovating — challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity. Our engineers don't shy away from building products to solve problems no one has pursued before.

We define the industry instead of waiting for directions. We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of a challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment.

Our Commitment

We're problem solvers that 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.