Principal Security Researcher – AI&LLM-Driven 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 pushing the boundaries of AI-driven cybersecurity automation? Do you want to be part of an innovative and disruptive team shaping the future of autonomous SOC?

As a Principal Security Researcher, you will develop cutting-edge AI-powered remediation plans that enhance security response automation. You will work with Large Language Models (LLMs), AI-based detections, and advanced security analytics to build intelligent, automated response workflows. Your expertise in machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity threats will drive the next generation of AI-augmented security operations.

Your Impact

• Design and implement AI-enhanced remediation plans that integrate with advanced detections across multiple security domains (Endpoint, Identity, DSPM, NDR, etc.).
• Leverage AI and LLMs to automate security response workflows, reduce analyst workload, and enhance SOC efficiency.
• Conduct in-depth security data research, utilizing AI models to improve threat detection, investigation, and response decision-making.
• Develop and test AI-driven security automation strategies, leveraging machine learning, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, integrating AI capabilities with XDR, EDR, NDR, SOAR, and big data platforms.
• Stay ahead of emerging threats by researching and adapting AI models to counter evolving attacker methodologies and TTPs

Qualifications

Your Experience 

• Extensive experience in security operations, incident response, and threat research.
• Deep understanding of AI applications in cybersecurity, including LLMs, machine learning models, and AI-based threat detection.
• Passionate to experiment with LLMs and agentic platforms.
• Strong Python programming skills, with experience in AI model development, data science, or automation scripting.
• Experience with SQL or related query languages for analyzing large-scale security data.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Critical thinker with a strong ability to innovate in AI-driven security research.
• Proficient hands-on coding skills

Advantages:

• Experience with big data platforms (e.g GCP)
• Experience with XDR/EDR/NDR/SOAR products
• Intimate knowledge and understanding of attack methods and techniques 
• Experience developing AI-based automation workflows in security operations.

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 trailblazers that dream big, 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.

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.