Sr Distinguished Software Engineer; DLP Platform Architecture, Scale, and Advanced DLP Detection

Job Summary

We’re seeking a Distinguished Engineer to lead the architecture, scalability, reliability, and advanced detection algorithms of Palo Alto Networks’ Data Loss Prevention (DLP) platform. This role drives the technical vision for low-latency, multi-tenant, and cost-efficient systems that power data protection across all product lines. You’ll connect strategy across orgs, guide design and implementation standards, and mentor senior engineers to deliver world-class platform outcomes.

• Define Platform Foundation: Define and drive the DLP platform’s "north star," including the scalable control/data planes, APIs, and data pipelines.
• System Design: Design and evolve distributed systems specifically optimized for high throughput, low latency, and fault tolerance.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Lead cross-org architectural alignment across product, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), privacy, and Machine Learning (ML) teams.
• Detection Algorithm Enablement: Architect the core data structures and serving layers that enable high-performance DLP classification, such as Regex, Exact Data Matching (EDM), Document Fingerprinting, and advanced ML/AI classifiers.

• Distributed Systems Mastery: Guide the design and implementation of highly resilient systems leveraging expertise in microservices and streaming systems (Kafka/Pulsar/Kinesis).
• Stateful Architecture Implementation: Ensure the platform leverages stateful architectures necessary for high-performance DLP components, using technologies like RocksDB, Redis, and Cassandra.
• Performance Optimization: Demonstrate proven experience with high-performance, multi-tenant systems and end-to-end performance optimization. Success is measured by step-function improvements in latency, throughput, and reliability.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Apply a strong grasp of cloud infrastructure (GCP/AWS/Azure), Kubernetes, observability, and SLO management across the platform.

• Technical Mentorship: Mentor Staff and Principal engineers to influence technical direction and standards company-wide.
• Reusable Frameworks: Build paved roads and reusable frameworks for platform consistency and operational excellence.
• Platform Leverage: Ensure platform capabilities are reused across multiple products.
• Efficiency Gains: Elevate developer productivity and operational efficiency through standardized frameworks.

• Step-function improvements in latency, throughput, reliability, and detection.
• Platform capabilities reused across multiple products.
• Elevated developer productivity & operational efficiency through standardized frameworks.

• 12+ years of experience building large-scale distributed systems or SaaS platforms with a minimum of 3+ years operating as a Distinguished or Principal-level Engineer/Architect.
• Deep expertise in microservices, streaming systems (Kafka/Pulsar/Kinesis), and stateful architectures (RocksDB, Redis, Cassandra).
• Strong grasp of cloud infrastructure (GCP/AWS/Azure), Kubernetes, observability, and SLO management.
• Proven experience with high-performance, multi-tenant systems and end-to-end performance optimization.
• Background in data privacy, policy engines, or content inspection/DLP systems preferred.
• Excellent communicator able to influence across teams and align engineering strategy with business goals.
• BS/MS degree in Computer Science or equivalent or equivalent military experience required.

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.

$ - $/yr

A description of our employee benefits may be found here ().

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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 accomm

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.

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