Principal Security Researcher

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.

The Team

Our research 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 researchers 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.

Job Summary

Are you an innovative security researcher with a deep understanding of Linux systems and a passion for protecting modern environments? Do you want to lead the charge in securing enterprise networks against the latest threats?

We're looking for a skilled professional to join our team, focusing on the critical and rapidly evolving fields of Linux and API security. You'll be a foundational member of a new and growing team dedicated to the "blue ocean" of detection and developing multiple new fields within the biggest cybersecurity enterprise in the world. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise and influence the future of threat prevention, helping us build cutting-edge security solutions from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our security solutions
• Enhance the effectiveness of our product by designing cutting-edge protection components and developing sophisticated detection rules
• Research Linux OS internals, Virtualized environments, and low-level system behaviors to inform and enhance our attack prevention mechanisms
• Investigate and develop innovative methods for detecting threats and securing APIs, ensuring robust protection for modern applications and cloud-native environments
• Apply sophisticated AI and big data approaches to investigate and research large amounts of data across our clients
• Research and lead novel protection ideas to a production-grade level, serving as a subject matter expert
• Stay up to date with the latest attacker methodologies, APT campaigns, and TTPs targeting Linux systems and APIs
• Conduct static and dynamic reverse engineering of Linux malware to uncover new techniques and develop corresponding mitigation strategies
• Work closely with engineering, product management, and other research teams to translate research findings into production-grade features

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of overall experience in cybersecurity research, with a proven track record of impactful projects
• In-depth knowledge of operating system internals, including user and kernel space
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C, and/or C++, with a strong understanding of system-level programming and APIs
• Strong knowledge of the cyber threat landscape, modern malware techniques, and APTs
• Hands-on experience with real-world threat hunting, big-data cyber research, incident response, or detection engineering
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for cybersecurity innovation
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within a team

Advantages

• Experience in reverse engineering, including familiarity with debugging and disassembler tools like GDB, IDA Pro, or Ghidra
• Experience with EDR/XDR products or low-level security solution development
• Knowledge of API security frameworks, vulnerabilities, and best practices
• Experience with advanced data analysis, statistics, or machine learning for security applications.
• Experience in Linux kernel development or vulnerability research
• Knowledge of network protocols related to APIs (e.g., HTTP/S, REST, GraphQL)
• Experience with virtualization platforms (e.g., ESXi/vCenter)

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  [email protected].

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.