Principal Security Researcher - Cloud - Security Automation (Cortex)

Company Description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Who We Are

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers and we believe that the unique ideas of every member of our team contributes to our collective success. Our values were crowdsourced by employees and are brought to life through each of us everyday - from disruptive innovation and collaboration, to execution. From showing up for each other with integrity to creating an environment where we all feel included.

As a member of our team, you will be shaping the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and we respect each employee as a unique individual. Knowing we all have different needs, our development and personal wellbeing programs are designed to give you choice in how you are supported. This includes our FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items selected by employees, our mental and financial health resources, and our personalized learning opportunities - just to name a few!

Job Description

Your Career

Are you passionate about taking automation to the next level? Do you live and breathe the cyber security world? Do you want to take part in an innovative and disruptive team that will have an impact on the lives of many customers?

As a Cloud Cybersecurity Researcher, you will design and implement remediation strategies for cloud runtime and posture issues, ensuring responses are as autonomous, effective, and safe as possible. You will collaborate with leading security experts, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the vision of an Autonomous SOC.

Your Impact

• Develop robust, testable, and safe remediation plans for cloud runtime and posture issues (CSPM, DSPM, CIEM, CNAPP, IAM, etc.)
• Conduct in-depth research to identify attacker TTPs and cloud misconfiguration risks, and translate findings into automated response playbooks
• Apply data analysis, programming, and modeling techniques to evaluate and optimize remediation approaches
• Collaborate within a diverse research group to continuously improve automation processes and methodologies
• Stay ahead of evolving threats, including cloud-native attack vectors and advanced adversary tradecraft

Qualifications

Your Experience

• Strong background in cloud security operations and incident resolution
• Deep expertise in at least one of the following: incident response, red teaming, or advanced threat hunting/detection research
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and associated security services
• Proficiency in Python and practical experience building automation or playbooks
• Experience working with SQL or similar query languages for large-scale data analysis
• Strong analytical skills, independent thinking, and ability to collaborate in a team environment

Advantages

• Experience with big data platforms (e.g., GCP BigQuery, AWS Athena)
• Familiarity with security tools such as XDR, EDR, CSPM, DSPM, CNAPP, CIEM, and SOAR
• Deep knowledge of attacker techniques, cloud-native threats, and mitigation strategies
• Experience with machine learning or data-driven security analysis

Additional Information

The Team

Our research team is 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 researchers 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.

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.