Principal Software Architect
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.Job Summary
As a Principal Software Architect, you will define and design the end-to-end system architecture for our enterprise-scale SaaS applications. You will guide technology choices, ensure seamless integration between systems, and collaborate across teams to align technical strategy with long-term business goals. This role requires a data-driven approach to designing and optimizing solutions with a focus on big data, microservices, and cloud-native technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Define and design end-to-end system architecture including backend services, APIs, and UI components, ensuring seamless integration.
Define UI architecture patterns, including component structure, state management, and performance optimization.
Evaluate and guide frontend and backend technology choices to meet business goals.
Review and provide feedback on Low-Level Designs (LLDs) and ensure architectural decisions are applied by the team.
Collaborate with System Architects, Product Owners, and Team Leads to bridge strategy between management and technical staff.
Analyze team technical requirements, manage technology debt, and perform cost and effort estimations.
Lead complex features or refactors and assist with implementing and managing changes.
Mentor peers and assist with knowledge sharing to support their professional development.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
13+ years of experience in languages such as Python, Go, Node, Ruby, Java, or C#, with at least 5 years in an architecture role.
Experience with at least one major cloud platform: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Experience in enterprise-scale application development in a cloud/SaaS environment.
Demonstrated experience with big data solutions, messaging systems, real-time data processing, storage, and delivery.
Experience with microservice and event-oriented design and development.
Experience working with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
Experience with security standards and compliance.
Fluent in English with strong communication and writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Python.
Experience with AWS, particularly AWS serverless architecture.
Experience with UI architecture patterns like Micro frontends and component-driven design.
Solid understanding of security and networking implementation and best practices.
Experience with modern CI/CD tools such as GitHub, Jenkins, and Artifactory.
Proactive, highly motivated individual with a high work ethic and goal-oriented approach.
A passion for learning new technologies and understanding them in depth.
Our Commitment
We’re trailblazers that dream big, 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 accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.
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.
Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.