Principal Security Researcher (Malware Research - Antivirus Systems)

Palo Alto Networks • Santa Clara, CA

2d • $162,700 - $263,175 • Onsite

About The Position

Palo Alto Networks is dedicated to protecting our digital way of life by solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. The company values Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion, and integrates AI into its operations to augment individual impact. They believe in-person collaboration is key, with most teams working full-time from the office, offering flexibility when needed to foster real-time problem-solving and stronger relationships. This role is for a motivated, intelligent, hardworking, and creative individual to join the team responsible for developing content for Palo Alto Networks’ Next Generation Firewall. The Principal Security Researcher will work with the security team behind the WildFire cloud-based security platform, focusing on a highly automated, 24/7 anti-virus signature generation and delivery system. The position requires a deep understanding of signature generation logic and the ability to create new detection features.

Requirements

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or equivalent military experience required
• 6 to 8+ years of relevant experience preferred
• Experience with Python/Golang programming language
• Strong core Computer Engineering skills such as databases, operating systems, algorithms
• Working knowledge and interest in learning common file formats (PE, Office, PDF etc)
• Experience with malware analysis
• Understanding of networking and core Internet protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP)
• Experience with a data pipeline based system with several moving components in a distributed cloud environment
• Experience with developing in a public cloud environment such as GCP, AWS
• Troubleshooting and virtualization experience in Linux
• Strong problem solving abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge/experience with tools such as Docker, Elastic-Search, Kafka, RabbitMQ, MySQL, SQLite, Redis is a big plus
• Experience in implementing security solutions using AI is preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop new features for the automated anti-virus signature generation and delivery system
• Research and implement signature algorithms for new file formats
• Identify limitations/issues in existing signature algorithms and improve them
• Research on and publish about innovations & emerging security trends

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees