Principal Cloud Security Engineer (InfoSec) at Palo Alto Networks

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Cloud Security Engineer (InfoSec)
Company: Palo Alto Networks
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: DevOps, Security
Date Posted: June 24, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Design and implement scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments (GCP, AWS, Azure, Alibaba, etc.)
Automate security controls and processes in cloud environments to enhance overall security posture
Define cloud security standards and implement preventive, corrective, and detective controls
Collaborate with product teams to secure cloud resources and infrastructure as code
Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior team members

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud security, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and automation. Experience with cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code is essential.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Design and implement scalable security solutions for cloud environments in multi-cloud environments (GCP, AWS, Azure, Alibaba, etc.)
Evaluate and implement security policies to prevent security bad practices
Automate security controls and processes in cloud environments, enhancing overall security posture
Define cloud security standards and implement preventive, corrective, and detective controls
Collaborate with product teams on how to best secure cloud resources
Develop and automate processes to enable the security team to scale
Understand and provide guidance on how best to secure infrastructure as code
Participate actively and contribute to cloud architecture and development discussions
Develop solid understanding and be able to explain advanced cloud computing and cloud security concepts to others
Provide security and engineering guidance to junior members of the team

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of cloud security principles, with a focus on designing and implementing scalable security solutions. Experience with cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code is essential for success in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent and 10+ years of relevant experience or equivalent military experience required

Experience:

Proven hands-on experience in cloud solutions and design for secure and compliant integration of applications on all Cloud Service Providers with main focus on GCP/AWS and Azure.
Strong knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python) for automation tasks, with an emphasis on security-related automation.
Excellent team player with strong coding, analytical and problem-solving skills
Solid understanding of DevSecOps principles, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools including but not limited to GitLab CI, Jenkins, BitBucket, XSOAR with a focus on security integration
Strong understanding of cloud security posture management tools
Familiarity with infrastructure as code (IaC) concepts and tools such as Terraform or Ansible, with a focus on security best practices.
Strong understanding of cloud identity and access management
Hands-on experience with cloud distributed systems and high scale designs
Experience designing/building scalable REST API and data pipelines
Strong understanding of standards and compliance frameworks including FedRAMP, SOX, NIST, PCI-DSS, etc.

Required Skills:

Cloud Security
Automation
Scripting
DevSecOps
CI/CD
Infrastructure as Code
Cloud Identity Management
REST API
Data Pipelines
Compliance Frameworks

Preferred Skills:

Experience with specific cloud security posture management tools
Familiarity with specific infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible)
Knowledge of specific compliance frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, SOX, NIST, PCI-DSS)

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud security, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and automation. Experience with cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code is essential for success in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in designing and implementing scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments
Showcase automation skills with examples of security-related automation tasks
Highlight experience with cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code
Display understanding of cloud identity and access management with relevant projects
Present experience with REST API and data pipelines, with a focus on security considerations

Technical Documentation:

Document security-related processes and procedures for cloud environments
Provide code comments and documentation for security-related scripts and automation tasks
Demonstrate understanding of version control, deployment processes, and server configuration with relevant examples
Showcase testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques for cloud security

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating experience in cloud security, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and automation. Include examples of security-related automation tasks, cloud security posture management tools, and infrastructure as code.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $162,000 - $263,000/YR (based on qualifications, experience, and work location)

Benefits:

Wellbeing Spending Account
Mental Health Resources
Financial Health Resources
Personalized Learning Opportunities
Restricted Stock Units
Bonus

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on the company's compensation disclosure and may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and work location. Research local salary standards and cost of living for a more accurate estimate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 2005

Team Structure:

The engineering team is at the core of the company's products, working directly on preventing cyberattacks
The team is connected to the mission of the company and values innovation, collaboration, and execution
The team works in a fast-paced environment, challenging the way they and the industry think about cybersecurity

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile methodologies, working in sprints to deliver solutions in a fast-paced environment
They collaborate closely with cross-functional product management, development, and quality assurance teams
The team participates in all phases of the product development cycle, from definition to implementation and test

Company Website: Palo Alto Networks

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is a large cybersecurity company with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The engineering team is at the core of the company's products, working directly on preventing cyberattacks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior/Principal

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the manager of the cloud security team

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the company's cloud security posture, working closely with product teams to secure cloud resources and infrastructure as code

Growth Opportunities:

Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities within the cloud security team
Expansion of technical skills and knowledge in emerging cloud security technologies and trends
Potential career progression into management or architecture roles within the cloud security team

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with a focus on technical leadership and mentoring within the cloud security team. Progression into management or architecture roles is also possible with strong performance and demonstrated technical expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (on-site and remote work)

Office Location(s): Santa Clara, California, United States

Workspace Context:

The company values in-person interactions and casual conversations, fostering problem-solving and trusted relationships
The workspace is designed to create an environment where everyone wins with precision
The company offers flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a hybrid work environment, with a focus on in-person interactions and collaboration. The company values casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships, creating an environment where everyone wins with precision.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment focused on cloud security, automation, and scripting skills
Architecture Discussion: A discussion on cloud architecture and design principles, with a focus on security considerations
Behavioral Interview: A behavioral interview focused on problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation of technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the team

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in designing and implementing scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments
Showcase automation skills with examples of security-related automation tasks
Include documentation of security-related processes and procedures for cloud environments
Demonstrate understanding of cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on cloud security principles, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and automation
Review specific cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible)
Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and architecture discussions focused on cloud security

ATS Keywords:

Cloud Security
Automation
Scripting
DevSecOps
CI/CD
Infrastructure as Code
Cloud Identity Management
REST API
Data Pipelines
Compliance Frameworks
FedRAMP
SOX
NIST
PCI-DSS
GCP
AWS
Azure
Alibaba
Terraform
Ansible
GitLab CI
Jenkins
BitBucket
XSOAR

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is focused on technical assessment, architecture discussion, behavioral interview, and final evaluation. Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and architecture discussions focused on cloud security.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platforms:

GCP
AWS
Azure
Alibaba

Scripting Languages:

Bash
Python

Automation Tools:

GitLab CI
Jenkins
BitBucket
XSOAR

Infrastructure as Code Tools:

Terraform
Ansible

Cloud Security Posture Management Tools:

[Specific tools as required by the role]

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires experience with specific cloud platforms, scripting languages, automation tools, and infrastructure as code tools. Familiarity with specific cloud security posture management tools is also essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation
Collaboration
Execution
Integrity
Inclusion

Collaboration Style:

Casual conversations and problem-solving
Cross-functional integration between developers, designers, and stakeholders
Code review culture and peer programming practices
Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks values innovation, collaboration, and execution, with a focus on integrity and inclusion. The team works together to challenge the way they and the industry think about cybersecurity, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Designing and implementing scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments
Automating security controls and processes in cloud environments to enhance overall security posture
Defining cloud security standards and implementing preventive, corrective, and detective controls
Collaborating with product teams to secure cloud resources and infrastructure as code
Staying up-to-date with emerging cloud security technologies and trends

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities within the cloud security team
Expansion of technical skills and knowledge in emerging cloud security technologies and trends
Potential career progression into management or architecture roles within the cloud security team

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities, with a focus on designing and implementing scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments. Staying up-to-date with emerging cloud security technologies and trends is essential for success in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Security Principles: Explain the key principles of cloud security, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and automation
Automation & Scripting: Describe your experience with automation and scripting, with examples of security-related tasks
Cloud Security Posture Management: Discuss your experience with cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code
Cloud Architecture: Explain your approach to cloud architecture and design, with a focus on security considerations
Compliance Frameworks: Describe your understanding of compliance frameworks, such as FedRAMP, SOX, NIST, and PCI-DSS

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Explain what you understand about Palo Alto Networks' company culture and how you would contribute to it
Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in a team and how you would collaborate with the cloud security team
Problem-Solving: Provide an example of a complex technical challenge you faced and how you solved it
Adaptability: Explain how you stay up-to-date with emerging cloud security technologies and trends

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight experience in designing and implementing scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments
Showcase automation skills with examples of security-related automation tasks
Include documentation of security-related processes and procedures for cloud environments
Demonstrate understanding of cloud security posture management tools and infrastructure as code

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is focused on technical assessment, architecture discussion, behavioral interview, and final evaluation. Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and architecture discussions focused on cloud security.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Cloud Security Engineer (InfoSec) position at Palo Alto Networks:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with cloud security, automation, and scripting, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and security-related tasks
Prepare Your Portfolio: Include examples of your work in designing and implementing scalable security solutions for multi-cloud environments, automation, and cloud security posture management tools
Research the Company: Learn about Palo Alto Networks' company culture, team dynamics, and problem-solving approach to demonstrate your fit for the role
Practice Technical Skills: Brush up on your cloud security principles, automation, and scripting skills, with a focus on multi-cloud environments and emerging cloud security technologies and trends

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Principal Cloud Security Engineer (InfoSec)