Principal Security Researcher (Advanced Threat Prevention)
Palo Alto Networks · Posted Sep 18, 2026
- Santa Clara, California, United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time · Principal
- $172K–$278K per year
- Visa sponsorship
A key technical leadership role shaping how ATP detects and prevents real-world attacks, involving vulnerability research, exploit analysis, and production detection work.
Compensation
$172,100.00 - $278,300.00/yr
Responsibilities
- Shape ATP detection strategy by identifying important vulnerability, exploit, and attack technique areas where new or improved protections are needed.
- Drive innovative detection ideas from concept to production, delivering measurable improvements in coverage, quality, speed, or scalability.
- Improve rapid response capability for zero-days, high-impact CVEs, and emerging attack vectors by guiding technical assessment, detection strategy, and release decisions.
- Raise the quality and consistency of IPS protections by defining detection approaches, validation expectations, and technical review standards for complex cases.
- Expand the team’s ability to deliver protections at scale through practical automation, detection pipeline improvements, and AI-assisted research workflows.
Requirements
- BS/MS in Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- or related field
- Nice to have: AI