Principal Researcher - QA

Job Summary

We are seeking a Principal Researcher in Security Content Validation to lead the testing and validation of efficacy of detection rules. This role requires an expert-level Python coder with a deep background in advanced QA methodologies, dedicated to researching, designing, and implementing automation frameworks that ensure the highest fidelity and scalability of Security Content validation.

Key Responsibilities

• This Principal-level role is central to securing our customers' cloud environments by driving innovative research into quality assurance and developing high-fidelity validation content
• Designing, developing, and maintaining expert-level automated testing and validation frameworks (leveraging expert Python skills) to ensure the accuracy, and scalability of security detection rules and overall product stability
• Researching and applying emerging QA technologies (e.g., AI/ML-driven testing) for security detection rules validation, including investigating complex failure modes and architectural weaknesses to develop innovative detection/prevention strategies (the "Secure QA Mindset")
• Establishing and enforcing best practices for high-fidelity security content validation, including rigorous test case creation and management for compliance standards and threat detection
• Actively contributing to ongoing process enhancements in test automation, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and deployment practices, serving as the authority on quality process design
• Mentorship: Serving as a technical leader, coaching and guiding QA engineers and researchers on advanced testing techniques and research methodologies
• Communication: Clearly articulating complex quality metrics, research findings, and validation strategies to engineering teams, product management, and executive leadership
• Bonus - Establishing industry thought leadership by publishing insightful blogs on security domain

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Overall Experience: 8-10 years of experience in Quality Assurance, SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test), QA Research
• Ideal - 5+ years of experience specifically designing and architecting test automation frameworks for complex systems, preferably in the security or cloud domain
• Must Have - Expert-level proficiency in Python programming for building complex, scalable test automation frameworks, and security validation tools
• Must Have - Deep application of QA principles, including rigorous quality gates and functional policy testing, strong debugging skills in cloud native deployments, and exceptional written and verbal communication
• Must Have - At least 3 years of hands-on experience in public cloud technologies (AWS, GCP, or Azure) with an understanding of cloud resource configurations and security requirements
• Highly Desirable - Very good understanding of Computer Networks, Cloud Networks, and Web-based protocols (like HTTP/S, REST) with a deep security understanding of vulnerabilities, exploits, and defensive techniques related to them
• Highly Desirable - Experience with advanced QA concepts like combinatorial testing, model-based testing, or leveraging GenAI/LLM based automations for test generation or defect analysis
• Highly Desirable - Familiarity with development tools (Git, CI/CD, bug tracking) and experience with technologies (SQL, BigQuery, JSON) for validation and data analysis

Additional Information

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.

About the Company

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.