Principal Rust Software Engineer - Data Classification (Cortex Cloud)

Palo Alto Networks
Full_timeTel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Principal Rust Software Engineer - Data Classification (Cortex Cloud)
  • Company: Palo Alto Networks
  • Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Category: Backend Developer, DevOps Engineer
  • Date Posted: 2025-06-22
  • Experience Level: 8+ years (or equivalent military experience)
  • Remote Status: On-site (Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the design and development of scalable data classification solutions to protect customer data
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and drive innovation
  • Mentor team members and push for continuous improvement
  • Ship high-scale data and operations solutions
  • Contribute to brainstorming sessions and identify areas for improvement

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Rust and Python, with a focus on multi-threaded development and cloud environments. The candidate should be comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional team setting and driving innovation in data security.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Data Security Protection: Develop solutions to help customers understand what kind of data they have and where it is located
  • Feature Development: Engage in design, implementation, testing, and deployment processes for new features
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with other teams to create tight integrations of product features and infrastructure
  • Innovation: Ship high-scale data and operations solutions and contribute to brainstorming sessions
  • Mentoring and Leadership: Serve as a leading individual in the team, driving innovation and pushing for positive change
  • Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for improvement within the team and actively push for new initiatives or optimizations

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education

  • BSc or MSc degree in Computer Science

Experience

  • 8+ years of work experience (or equivalent military experience)

Required Skills

  • Programming Languages: Rust, Python
  • Cloud Environment: Experience working in a large-scale cloud environment
  • Multi-Threaded Development: Strong understanding of multi-threaded and multi-process development, with a focus on performance
  • CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure
  • Communication: Outstanding drive and communication skills

Preferred Skills

  • Rust Experience: Professional experience with Rust is a big advantage
  • Go Experience: Familiarity with Go
  • Regex & Character Encodings: Comfortable with Regex and character encodings
  • Remote Applications: Experience with applications running remotely at scale
  • Cyber Technologies: Familiarity with cyber technologies, information security, and software security

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in Rust, Python, and multi-threaded development will excel in this role. Experience with cloud infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cybersecurity technologies is highly desirable.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Rust Projects: Demonstrate proficiency in Rust through past projects or contributions to open-source repositories
  • Python Projects: Showcase Python projects that highlight your experience in a large-scale cloud environment
  • Data Classification Solutions: Include examples of data classification solutions you've developed or contributed to

Technical Documentation:

  • Code Quality: Document your approach to writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code in Rust and Python
  • Deployment Processes: Describe your experience with CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure
  • Testing Methodologies: Explain your approach to testing and ensuring the quality of your code

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on data classification and high-scale operations, candidates should emphasize projects that demonstrate their ability to work with large datasets, optimize performance, and ensure data security.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for this role in Tel Aviv, Israel, is ₪350,000 - ₪450,000 per year (approximately $105,000 - $135,000 USD). This estimate is based on market research and regional salary standards for senior backend developers and DevOps engineers with relevant experience.

Benefits:

  • FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items
  • Mental health resources
  • Financial health resources
  • Personalized learning opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills. The benefits listed are based on the company's description and may be subject to change.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 2005

Team Structure:

  • The Data Classification team is part of the Cortex Cloud product line, focusing on data security and protection
  • The team consists of software engineers, data scientists, and product managers working together to develop innovative solutions
  • The team follows an Agile development methodology, with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer value

Development Methodology:

  • Agile/Scrum: The team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and regular retrospectives
  • Code Review: The team emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance to ensure high-quality, maintainable code
  • CI/CD Pipelines: The team uses CI/CD pipelines to automate deployment and ensure consistent, reliable releases

Company Website: Palo Alto Networks

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is a large, established cybersecurity company with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The company values diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, providing a supportive environment for professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior/Principal Engineer

Reporting Structure: The Principal Engineer reports directly to the Engineering Manager and is responsible for leading the development of data classification solutions. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation within the product.

Technical Impact: The Principal Engineer has a significant impact on the product's technical direction, architecture, and performance. They work closely with data scientists, product managers, and other engineers to ensure that the product meets the needs of customers and delivers on the company's mission to protect the digital way of life.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Leadership: Grow into a technical lead or architecture role, driving the technical direction of the product and mentoring other engineers
  • Product Management: Transition into a product management role, focusing on customer needs, market trends, and product strategy
  • Engineering Management: Develop into an engineering management role, leading teams and driving the development of multiple products or features

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Engineer role at Palo Alto Networks offers significant growth opportunities, both in terms of technical leadership and career progression. Candidates should be prepared to take on increasing responsibilities, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation within the team and the broader organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel)

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, with additional offices in other major cities worldwide

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The office encourages collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with open workspaces and dedicated meeting areas
  • Development Tools: The team uses modern development tools, including integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems, and project management software
  • Team Interaction: The team interacts regularly, with daily stand-ups, weekly team meetings, and bi-weekly all-hands meetings to ensure everyone is aligned and informed

Work Schedule: Standard office hours (Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at Palo Alto Networks encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, team-oriented setting and be prepared to adapt to the company's fast-paced, growth-focused culture.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss the role, the company, and the candidate's background and experience
  2. Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on the candidate's expertise in Rust, Python, and cloud environments. Topics may include multi-threaded development, performance optimization, and CI/CD pipelines
  3. System Design: A system design challenge to evaluate the candidate's ability to design and implement scalable, secure data classification solutions
  4. Behavioral and Cultural Fit: An in-depth discussion of the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication style, and cultural fit with the team and the company
  5. Final Decision: A final decision is made based on the candidate's performance throughout the interview process

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Rust Projects: Highlight Rust projects that demonstrate your expertise in Rust and idiomatic concepts
  • Python Projects: Showcase Python projects that highlight your experience in a large-scale cloud environment
  • Data Classification Solutions: Include examples of data classification solutions you've developed or contributed to, emphasizing your approach to data security, performance optimization, and user experience

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Rust and Python: Brush up on your Rust and Python skills, focusing on idiomatic concepts, performance optimization, and cloud environment best practices
  • System Design: Review system design principles, patterns, and best practices for designing scalable, secure data classification solutions
  • Problem-Solving: Practice problem-solving techniques and be prepared to explain your thought process and approach to complex technical challenges

ATS Keywords: [Rust, Python, Cloud Environment, Multi-Threaded Development, CI/CD Pipelines, Cybersecurity, Data Classification, System Design, Agile/Scrum, Technical Leadership, Mentoring, Collaboration, Innovation]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to evaluate the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with the team and the company. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills in Rust, Python, and cloud environments, as well as their ability to design and implement scalable, secure data classification solutions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (backend-focused role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

  • Rust: The primary programming language for this role, used for developing high-performance, secure data classification solutions
  • Python: Used for scripting, automation, and integration with other tools and services
  • Cloud Environment: Experience with cloud infrastructure providers, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, is essential for this role

Development & DevOps Tools:

  • Version Control: Familiarity with version control systems, such as Git, is required for collaboration and code management
  • CI/CD Pipelines: Experience with CI/CD tools, such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or CircleCI, is essential for automating deployment and ensuring consistent, reliable releases
  • Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with monitoring tools, such as Prometheus, Grafana, or Datadog, is desirable for ensuring the performance and availability of the product

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is centered around Rust, Python, and cloud environments. Candidates should have a strong background in Rust and Python, with experience working in a large-scale cloud environment. Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, monitoring tools, and other development and DevOps tools is also desirable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

  • Innovation: Palo Alto Networks values innovation and encourages team members to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible
  • Collaboration: The company emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing
  • Customer Focus: Palo Alto Networks is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, with a focus on delivering value and protecting the digital way of life
  • Integrity: The company values integrity and expects its team members to act with honesty, fairness, and respect in all their interactions

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The team works closely with other departments, including product management, data science, and marketing, to ensure that the product meets the needs of customers and delivers on the company's mission
  • Code Review Culture: The team emphasizes code review, with a focus on maintaining high-quality, maintainable code and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow
  • Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages knowledge sharing and mentoring, with regular brown bag lunches, technical presentations, and one-on-one mentoring sessions

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks values innovation, collaboration, and customer focus, with a strong emphasis on integrity and teamwork. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where they are encouraged to challenge the status quo, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and deliver value to customers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Data Classification: Develop scalable, secure data classification solutions that help customers understand and protect their data
  • High-Scale Operations: Design and implement solutions that can handle large-scale data and operations, with a focus on performance, availability, and security
  • Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in data security, cloud environments, and cybersecurity more broadly
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work effectively with other teams, including product management, data science, and marketing, to ensure that the product meets the needs of customers and delivers on the company's mission

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Deepen your expertise in Rust, Python, and cloud environments, with a focus on emerging technologies and best practices
  • Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences, such as RustConf, PyCon, or AWS re:Invent, to learn from experts, network with peers, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments
  • Certification: Pursue relevant certifications, such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect or the Certified Professional in Python Programming, to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning
  • Technical Mentorship: Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the growth and development of the team and the broader organization

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities for this role are centered around data classification, high-scale operations, and emerging technologies. Candidates should be prepared to take on complex technical challenges, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovation within the product and the broader organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Rust & Python: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Rust and Python, with a focus on idiomatic concepts, performance optimization, and cloud environment best practices
  • System Design: Brush up on your system design principles, patterns, and best practices for designing scalable, secure data classification solutions
  • Problem-Solving: Practice problem-solving techniques and be prepared to explain your thought process and approach to complex technical challenges

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Company Culture: Research Palo Alto Networks' company culture, values, and mission, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company's priorities and goals
  • Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the team's structure, dynamics, and priorities, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the team's success
  • Customer Focus: Understand the company's customer base, their needs, and the challenges they face, and be prepared to discuss how you can help the company deliver value and protect the digital way of life

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Rust Projects: Highlight Rust projects that demonstrate your expertise in Rust and idiomatic concepts, with a focus on performance optimization and cloud environment best practices
  • Python Projects: Showcase Python projects that highlight your experience in a large-scale cloud environment, with a focus on data security, performance optimization, and user experience
  • Data Classification Solutions: Include examples of data classification solutions you've developed or contributed to, emphasizing your approach to data security, performance optimization, and user experience

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to evaluate the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with the team and the company. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills in Rust, Python, and cloud environments, as well as their ability to design and implement scalable, secure data classification solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Rust Software Engineer - Data Classification (Cortex Cloud) position at Palo Alto Networks:

  1. Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read the job description to ensure that you meet the required qualifications and understand the responsibilities of the role
  2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments, with a focus on Rust, Python, and cloud environments
  3. Prepare Your Portfolio: Update your portfolio to include examples of your best work in Rust, Python, and data classification, with a focus on performance optimization, user experience, and security
  4. Practice Technical Challenges: Brush up on your Rust, Python, and system design skills, and practice solving technical challenges to prepare for the interview process
  5. Research the Company: Learn about Palo Alto Networks' company culture, values, and mission, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company's priorities and goals
  6. Prepare for the Interview: Familiarize yourself with the team's structure, dynamics, and priorities, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the team's success

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

Application Requirements

Candidates should have a BSc or MSc in Computer Science with significant experience in Rust and Python. A strong understanding of application and OS interaction, as well as experience with multi-threaded development, is essential.