Principal Security Researcher, Data & AI (Cortex)

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

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 Description

Your Career

Are you passionate about using cutting-edge technology to help protect the world against cyber threats? Do you live and breathe the cyber security world? Do you want to take part in an innovative and disruptive AI security group that has an impact on many customers?

You will be part of a strong security research and data science team who solve highly complex security challenges using disruptive technologies, ML algorithms and a lot of data.

As part of that, you will take part in the design and development of new groundbreaking AI security solutions which make a direct impact on many customers.

At Palo Alto Networks we value diverse viewpoints and experiences, as we are solving complex cyber security challenges. We are committed to a safe and inclusive workspace.

Your Impact

• Transform Data into Defense: Take the lead in creating high-fidelity security incidents from a massive stream of alerts generated by our industry-leading advanced security solutions
• Innovate with AI: Actively participate in cutting-edge research projects focused on creating novel prevention content at scale using state-of-the-art AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Drive Security Efficacy: Analyze complex threat data to identify attacker patterns, develop new prevention methodologies, and enhance automated flows to rapidly protect Cortex platform customers
• Collaborate and Lead: Work side-by-side with top-tier data scientists, engineers, and product managers to translate research ideas into tangible, customer-facing security protections
  
  

Qualifications

Your Experience

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in the cybersecurity research field
• Proven expertise in detecting threats by analyzing and correlating security data across hybrid environments, from on-premise tools (EDR, SIEM, NDR) to major cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Proven ability to investigate and contextualize disparate security alerts to construct a full attack narrative
• Strong proficiency in a scripting language, with Python being highly preferred for data analysis and prototyping
• Hands-on experience with query languages and databases (e.g., SQL, KQL)
• A scientific, data-driven approach to problem-solving, with experience running research projects from ideation to production
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts and research findings to diverse audiences
  
  

Additional Information

The Team

Our engineering and research teams are at the core of our products and connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. We are constantly innovating-challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity.

Our teams don't shy away from building products to solve problems no one has pursued before.

We define the industry instead of waiting for directions. We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of a challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment.

The Cortex Data and AI team is a dynamic, forward-thinking group responsible for the intelligence that powers Palo Alto Networks' security portfolio. We are passionate about data, obsessed with security, and committed to building the autonomous security platform of the future. If you are a creative problem-solver who wants to work at the intersection of security research and artificial intelligence, we encourage you to apply.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that 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.