Palo Alto Networks - Principal Software Engineer (Agentic AI)

The Cortex team is at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, leveraging advanced AI and machine learning to protect our customers. As a Principal Software Engineer focusing on Agentic AI, you will lead the design and development of next-generation AI-driven security solutions that autonomously identify, respond to, and mitigate sophisticated threats. You will play a critical role in shaping the architecture and implementation of our Agentic AI platform, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity.

**Your Team:**

**Your Impact:**
* You’ll be part of a highly skilled and collaborative team of AI/ML engineers and researchers within the Cortex division. We thrive on technical challenges, continuous learning, and delivering impactful solutions that secure the digital world. Our team fosters an environment of innovation, encouraging bold ideas and cutting-edge research.
* Your Impact (reused section header for bullet points here)
* Lead the architectural design and implementation of Agentic AI systems for cybersecurity applications.
* Research, prototype, and integrate advanced AI/ML models, including LLMs and generative AI, into production systems.
* Design and develop highly scalable, reliable, and performant software using modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Go) and cloud technologies.
* Drive best practices in MLOps, CI/CD, and software engineering for AI-powered products.
* Collaborate closely with security researchers, data scientists, and product managers to define requirements and deliver innovative solutions.
* Mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers on the team.
* Contribute to the overall AI strategy and intellectual property of the company.

**Your Experience:**
* 10+ years of experience in software development, with a strong focus on AI/ML.
* 5+ years developing and deploying AI/ML systems in production environments, ideally with experience in agentic AI or autonomous systems.
* Expert proficiency in Python and experience with relevant AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
* Deep understanding of large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and their applications.
* Proven experience designing and building highly scalable, distributed systems on public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
* Strong computer science fundamentals in algorithms, data structures, and system design.
* Excellent problem-solving skills, ability to work independently, and strong communication skills.
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or a related field.

**Bonus/Preferred Qualifications:**
* Nice-to-haves:**
* Experience in cybersecurity or threat detection.
* Familiarity with Go programming language.
* Publications in top-tier AI/ML conferences.