Associate Security Software Engineer

About This Role

Palo Alto Networks is hiring Associate Security Software Engineers to build the next-generation cybersecurity platform protecting over 80,000 customers worldwide. You will contribute to NGFW (Next-Generation Firewall), Prisma Cloud, Cortex XSIAM, or the Strata platform — defining how enterprises protect their networks and cloud workloads.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Associate Security Software Engineer
• Company: Palo Alto Networks
• Location: Santa Clara, CA / San Francisco, CA / Austin, TX / Plano, TX / New York, NY
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (0–2 years)
• Salary Range: $38–$54/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-06
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-06

Role Context

Palo Alto Networks engineers work in tight product squads building security software at enterprise scale. Associate engineers are expected to own components end to end and receive structured mentorship from senior security engineers. The company has aggressive goals to consolidate enterprise security through its AI-SEC platform — making this an exciting time to join the engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop security product features in C++, Python, Go, or Java across NGFW or cloud security platforms
• Build network packet processing, threat detection, or cloud security posture management components
• Write and maintain automated test suites for security product reliability and correctness
• Collaborate with security research teams to implement new threat detection capabilities
• Investigate and resolve production security incidents and customer-reported defects
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and cloud deployment automation for security services

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Cybersecurity
• Strong C++, Python, or Go programming skills
• Understanding of networking fundamentals — TCP/IP, firewalls, routing, and VPNs
• Interest in cybersecurity, threat detection, or cloud security is essential
• Familiarity with Linux systems programming and container/cloud environments

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $38–$54/hr with Palo Alto Networks RSUs and annual bonus
• Hybrid schedule with flexibility across US offices
• Top-tier health, dental, vision, and mental health benefits
• Annual learning budget and security certification support
• 401(k) with company match and generous parental leave

Who Should Apply

Graduates who are passionate about both software engineering and cybersecurity. This role is ideal for candidates who want to build the actual security products — not just use them — and who want to work on systems that protect critical enterprise infrastructure from the world's most sophisticated adversaries.

About the Company

Palo Alto Networks is the global cybersecurity market leader, protecting over 80,000 organizations across 150+ countries. Its platform spans network security, cloud security, and AI-powered threat detection, making it one of the most comprehensive security companies in the industry.

How to Apply

Apply through Palo Alto Networks Jobs. Search "Associate Software Engineer" or "Entry Level Security Engineer." Expect a coding screen and a technical interview covering networking, security concepts, and systems programming.