Senior Staff Security Researcher

Palo Alto Networks

Principal Security Researcher leading major projects and mentoring at Palo Alto Networks. Driving innovative detection methodologies to protect enterprises from advanced threats.

Posted 7/3/2026full-timeSanta Clara • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $162,700 - $263,175 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DNSLinuxPerlPythonSMTPSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and delivery of multiple major projects while proposing innovative detection ideas.
Mentor and guide junior or mid-level researchers with technical direction and career development support.
Drive advanced research into vulnerabilities and exploits to create effective IPS and ML-based detections.
Ensure rapid response to Zero-Day vulnerabilities by releasing IPS protections to customers within 24 hours.
Perform reverse engineering efforts to uncover new vulnerabilities and build proactive defenses.
Define scalable detection methodologies for complex or emerging attack vectors across products.
Partner with cross-functional teams to align detection strategy with product roadmaps and customer needs.
Represent the team in technical discussions to help shape industry direction in threat prevention.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of deep technical experience in malware analysis (static/dynamic) and reverse engineering.
BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Deep technical expertise in exploit techniques such as buffer overflows, XSS, and SQL injection.
Extensive knowledge of core network protocols including HTTP, UDP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, and SMB.
Proficiency in analyzing network traffic using tcpdump, Wireshark, or equivalent tools.
Advanced proficiency in Windows and Linux development environments.
Strong programming skills in scripting and system-level languages including Python, Bash, Perl, and C/C++.
Strong leadership and communication skills with proven ability to mentor and guide other researchers.
Demonstrated track record of successfully leading multiple projects end-to-end with measurable impact.
Ability to influence detection strategy within the team and across related groups.

Benefits

Comp & perks

A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Malware AnalysisReverse EngineeringExploit TechniquesNetwork ProtocolsScripting LanguagesSystem-Level LanguagesTraffic AnalysisDetection MethodologiesIPS DevelopmentZero-Day Vulnerability Response

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationMentoringCollaborationInfluencing