Principal Security Researcher

Palo Alto Networks

Principal Security Researcher shaping ATP detection strategy and improving protection mechanisms at Palo Alto Networks. Leading innovative technical projects and contributing hands-on to vulnerability research.

Posted 6/30/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $162,700 - $263,175 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape ATP detection strategy by identifying important vulnerability and exploit areas.
Drive innovative detection ideas from concept to production.
Improve rapid response capability for zero-days and emerging attack vectors.
Raise the quality of IPS protections by defining detection standards.
Expand delivery of protections at scale through automation and AI-assisted workflows.
Provide hands-on technical leadership to researchers or developers.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep hands-on experience in vulnerability research, exploit analysis, IPS/IDS detection, offensive security, or related work.
Strong understanding of common vulnerability classes and exploit techniques.
Ability to analyze vulnerability root cause and exploitability.
Experience translating vulnerability understanding into production-quality IPS signatures or other protections.
Strong programming or scripting skills for research automation and detection development.
Experience using AI, ML, or automation to improve security analysis is highly desirable.
BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Bonuses
Stock options

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Vulnerability ResearchExploit AnalysisIPS/IDS DetectionProgramming SkillsScripting SkillsAI ImplementationMachine LearningDetection DevelopmentRoot Cause AnalysisProduction-Quality Signatures

Soft Skills

Technical Leadership

Certifications

BS in Computer ScienceMS in Computer ScienceBS in Computer EngineeringMS in Computer EngineeringBS in CybersecurityMS in Cybersecurity