Palo Alto Networks - Principal Security Researcher (Security Automation & Cloud)
As a Principal Security Researcher focusing on Security Automation within our Cortex Cloud team, you will be a key innovator in developing automated defenses and response capabilities for cloud environments. You will research new attack techniques, design intelligent automation playbooks, and integrate cutting-edge security technologies to empower our customers with proactive and efficient threat mitigation. Your work will directly contribute to building the future of autonomous cybersecurity operations.
**Your Team:**
**Your Impact:**
* The Cortex Cloud team is at the forefront of securing public cloud infrastructures. We are a collaborative group of highly experienced security researchers and engineers who are passionate about solving the most complex challenges in cloud security. We foster an environment of continuous learning, technical excellence, and impactful contributions to protect organizations worldwide.
* Your Impact (reused section header for bullet points here)
* Conduct in-depth research into advanced attack techniques, particularly those targeting cloud environments and leveraging automation.
* Design, prototype, and implement automated security responses, playbooks, and detection mechanisms.
* Develop new methodologies for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating emerging threats at scale.
* Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research findings into product features for security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR).
* Stay current with the latest cybersecurity threats, cloud security trends, and automation technologies.
* Publish research, present at industry conferences, and engage with the broader security community.
* Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other researchers and engineers.
**Your Experience:**
* 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity research, security engineering, or incident response.
* 5+ years of hands-on experience with security automation, orchestration, or SOAR platforms.
* Deep understanding of cloud security principles, architectures, and attack vectors across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
* Strong proficiency in at least one scripting/programming language (e.g., Python, Go) for automation and tool development.
* Proven experience with threat intelligence, threat hunting, and incident response processes.
* Familiarity with SIEM, EDR, and other security control technologies.
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
* Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration abilities.
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
**Bonus/Preferred Qualifications:**
* Nice-to-haves:**
* Experience with AI/ML applications in security automation.
* Certifications in cloud security or relevant industry certifications.
* Contributions to open-source security projects.