Principal Software Test Engineer (Strata Cloud Manager) at Palo Alto Networks

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Software Test Engineer (Strata Cloud Manager)
Company: Palo Alto Networks
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: DevOps Engineer, Quality Assurance
Date Posted: 2025-06-11
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Ensure software quality and reliability through test automation, test plan design, and collaboration with engineering and product teams.
Key Technologies: Test automation, REST APIs, Python, Selenium, JavaScript, GitLab CI/CD, TCP/IP Networking, Cloud Technologies (AWS, GCP, Azure), Linux, Docker, Kubernetes.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Design & Develop Test Automation: Create test automation and frameworks to test software features on the next-generation security platform as part of the Cloud Management Platform.
Create Test Plans: Develop detailed, comprehensive, and well-structured test plans covering all possible test cases to verify feature functionality for customer use cases.
Collaborate with Engineering & Product Teams: Work closely with software engineering and product management teams during product development from design to release.
Debug & Troubleshoot: Debug issues found during testing and verify bug fixes once they are resolved. Troubleshoot customer deployment issues and add new test cases for uncovered issues.
Expand Testbeds & Infrastructure: Configure, build, and expand both functional and system testbeds. Involve in a rigorous approach to testing for specifications and assist the team with testing methods or tools for new testing.
Mix Creativity with Testing: Bring creative skills to produce the best quality products in cybersecurity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BS or MS in Computer Engineering or a related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience as a Software Developer/SDET/Software Test Engineer.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in writing test plans and test cases with a strong understanding of SDET methodologies, tools, and procedures.
Strong knowledge of test automation methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
Experience developing test automation for REST APIs using Python/Pytest.
UI automation/testing experience using Selenium/JavaScript/Playwright.
Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript).
Experience in building and maintaining GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with TCP/IP Networking and Network/Cloud Security required.
Good understanding of networking concepts, L2-L7 protocols.
Experience with Cloud Technologies such as AWS/Azure/GCP.
Experience with Linux or Esxi Virtualization or Docker/Kubernetes is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

Experience testing network security products, preferably with firewalls.
Excellent communication and collaborative skills.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: Not specified.
Technical Documentation: Not specified.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $147,000 - $225,500/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.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees).

Founded: 2005.

Team Structure:

The Cloud Management Platform team consists of highly motivated engineers building a highly scalable and secure multi-tenant public cloud solution to manage devices in physical, virtual, or container form factors.
The team values collaboration and teamwork, with engineers who can communicate at a high level and work well with others towards achieving a common goal.

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
They emphasize a rigorous approach to testing, with a focus on specifications, testing methods, and tools for new testing.

Company Website: Palo Alto Networks

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is a leading cybersecurity company that focuses on preventing cyberattacks. The company values innovation, collaboration, and execution, with a mission to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting the digital way of life.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Principal Software Test Engineer roles require a high level of expertise in software testing, with a strong focus on test automation, test plan design, and collaboration with engineering and product teams. This role involves leading and mentoring other test engineers, with the potential for growth into management or architecture positions.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Engineering Manager of the Cloud Management Platform team.

Technical Impact: Principal Software Test Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software products. Their work directly impacts the user experience, customer satisfaction, and the overall success of the company's products.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Opportunities for growth in technical expertise, including leadership and architecture roles.
Career Progression: Potential for career progression into management or senior technical roles.
Learning & Development: Access to personalized learning opportunities and resources for professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a supportive work environment that values ongoing learning and growth. Employees have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and collaborate with highly skilled team members.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Palo Alto Networks' offices foster casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships. The company values in-person interactions and offers flexible work arrangements to accommodate employees' needs.

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

Workspace Context:

The company offers a casual work environment with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
Employees have access to the latest tools and technologies to support their work.
The company encourages a healthy work-life balance, with access to wellbeing resources and flexible work arrangements.

Work Schedule: The company offers a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working on-site for three days a week. The specific schedule may vary depending on the role and team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' work environment emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance. Employees have access to the latest tools and technologies, as well as wellbeing resources to support their professional and personal growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role, qualifications, and expectations.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment to evaluate programming, testing, and troubleshooting skills.
On-site Interview: A day-long on-site interview, including technical deep dives, system design discussions, and cultural fit assessments.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation of the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and potential impact on the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant testing experience, including test automation, test plan design, and collaboration with engineering and product teams.
Include examples of troubleshooting and debugging customer deployment issues.
Showcase experience with cloud technologies, such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on testing methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
Familiarize yourself with REST APIs, Python, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
Prepare for troubleshooting and debugging exercises, as well as system design discussions.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java
Testing Tools: Selenium, Pytest, GitLab CI/CD
Cloud Technologies: AWS, GCP, Azure
Networking: TCP/IP Networking, Network Security
Soft Skills: Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' interview process focuses on evaluating the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and potential impact on the team. The company values collaboration and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Testing Tools:

Selenium (WebDriver)
Pytest
GitLab CI/CD

Programming Languages:

Python
JavaScript
Java

Cloud Technologies:

AWS
GCP
Azure

Networking:

TCP/IP Networking
Network Security

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks uses a combination of open-source and proprietary tools for testing, automation, and deployment. The company's technology stack is designed to support the development and deployment of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Palo Alto Networks values innovation and encourages employees to challenge the status quo and think creatively.
Collaboration: The company emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on achieving common goals.
Execution: Palo Alto Networks values execution and expects employees to deliver high-quality results on time.
Disruption: The company encourages employees to disrupt the way things are done and challenge conventional wisdom.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Palo Alto Networks encourages collaboration between different teams, including software engineering, product management, and design.
Code Review Culture: The company values a rigorous code review process to ensure the quality and reliability of software products.
Knowledge Sharing: Palo Alto Networks encourages employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues to support professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' team culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and execution. The company values a rigorous approach to testing, with a focus on specifications, testing methods, and tools for new testing. Employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think creatively to produce high-quality cybersecurity solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Scalability: Ensure software products can scale to meet the demands of a growing customer base.
Complexity: Troubleshoot and debug complex customer deployment issues, often in high-pressure situations.
Innovation: Stay up-to-date with the latest testing methodologies, tools, and technologies to drive continuous improvement.
Collaboration: Work effectively with diverse teams, including software engineering, product management, and design, to deliver high-quality software products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skills: Develop expertise in testing methodologies, tools, and technologies to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Skills: Gain experience in leading and mentoring other test engineers, with the potential for growth into management or architecture positions.
Career Progression: Pursue career progression opportunities within the company, including management, senior technical, or architecture roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a challenging and rewarding work environment, with opportunities for growth in technical expertise, leadership, and career progression. The company values innovation, collaboration, and execution, with a focus on delivering high-quality cybersecurity solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Testing Methodologies: Prepare for questions about testing methodologies, tools, and frameworks, including test plan design, test automation, and troubleshooting.
REST APIs: Brush up on your knowledge of REST APIs, including testing and automation techniques.
Cloud Technologies: Familiarize yourself with AWS, GCP, or Azure, including deployment, configuration, and management tasks.
Networking: Review your knowledge of TCP/IP Networking and network security concepts.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company History: Research Palo Alto Networks' history, mission, and values.
Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions about team dynamics, collaboration, and communication within the Cloud Management Platform team.
Problem-Solving: Practice problem-solving techniques and be prepared to discuss your approach to troubleshooting and debugging.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Testing Portfolio: Highlight relevant testing experience, including test automation, test plan design, and collaboration with engineering and product teams.
Customer Deployment Issues: Include examples of troubleshooting and debugging customer deployment issues.
Cloud Technologies: Showcase experience with cloud technologies, such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Software Test Engineer (Strata Cloud Manager) position:

Submit Your Application: Click on the application link and submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio pieces.
Prepare for Phone Screen: Brush up on your testing methodologies, tools, and technologies, as well as your understanding of Palo Alto Networks' products and services.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Palo Alto Networks' history, mission, and values, as well as the Cloud Management Platform team's dynamics and culture.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Review your knowledge of testing methodologies, tools, and technologies, as well as your understanding of REST APIs, cloud technologies, and networking concepts.
Prepare for On-site Interview: Practice problem-solving techniques, brush up on your understanding of Palo Alto Networks' products and services, and prepare for cultural fit assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' application process focuses on evaluating the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and potential impact on the team. The company values collaboration and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Principal Software Test Engineer (Strata Cloud Manager)