Senior Principal/Architect Engineer Software
Palo Alto Networks · Office - USA - CA - Headquarters ·
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Architecture
- Experience
- 10+ years
Palo Alto Networks · Office - USA - CA - Headquarters ·
Our Mission
At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.
Who We Are
In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!
We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.Job Summary
We are seeking a Module FW Integration Engineer – For Module Integration and Cellular Certification to drive software validation, automation, and the cellular certification lifecycle for our wireless products. This role bridges embedded application development, network emulation, and supports global carrier certification. You will validate embedded applications, build Python automation pipelines, and utilize industry-standard network simulators to troubleshoot 4G/5G routing platforms against carrier and regulatory standards.
Embedded Development & Validation: Develop, modify, and validate embedded Linux-based applications, ensuring seamless communication between network layers, peripheral hardware, and cellular modems.
Test Automation: Design and maintain robust Python/Bash scripting frameworks to automate image loading, device provisioning, network simulator configurations, and data collection loops.
Network Emulation & Testing: Configure and manage high-end network emulators/call boxes (Keysight UXM, Rohde & Schwarz CMX/CMW, Amarisoft) to recreate complex 4G LTE and 5G NR live environments. Build cabled multi-UE distribution setups.
Image Management: Configure, track, and load software/firmware builds onto engineering prototypes and production routing units for formal testing.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Isolate and debug network, software, and protocol layer issues via log diagnostics. Perform hardware characterization using RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, network analyzers).
Global Collaboration: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external third-party test labs, Carrier Certification Teams and Industry Certification bodies. and chipset vendors globally.
Regulatory Filings: Prepare technical documentation and test data for FCC/ISED (North America) and regional Asian bodies such as JPN (Japan), KC (South Korea), TW (Taiwan), and ANZ (Australia/NewZealand).
Industry Compliance: Coordinate and oversee PTCRB and GCF (Global Certification Forum) testing cycles from initial submission to final listing.
Documentation: Compile and maintain Technical Construction Files (TCF), user manual compliance statements, and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) records.
Carrier Acceptance & Testing Support
Support the Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) process for major North American carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and key Asian operators.
Work directly with test houses to reproduce, log, and debug issues found during conformance testing.
Analyze protocol and RF logs (using tools like QXDM, Wireshark, or equivalent) to help isolate software or hardware issues.
Test Lab & Vendor Coordination
Quote, submit purchase orders in support of FCC, CE, TW, KC, JPN, AU and NZ country regulatory testing testing. (archive reports/certifications)
Quote, submit purchase orders in support for industry and carrier certifications testing and certifications. (archive reports/certifications)
Act as the daily interface with third-party test labs and Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs).
Ship samples and accessories, track test progress, resolve blocking issues in the lab, and ensure test reports are delivered accurately and on time.
Manage device inventory, SW and cellular module firmware, and device configuration for certification.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Expertise
Embedded Linux Systems: Proven experience developing and debugging application software within embedded architectures and Linux environments.
Python & Scripting: Strong proficiency in Python and Bash for hardware/simulator API interaction and test automation.
Wireless Protocols: Solid understanding of 4G LTE and 5G NR (Standalone/Non-Standalone) software stacks and 3GPP protocol layers (NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC).
Networking Foundations: Robust knowledge of core routing protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VPNs, VLANs) and memory management.
Diagnostic & RF Equipment: Mastery of protocol analysis tools (Wireshark, QXDM, QPST) alongside hands-on experience programming RF equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, power meters) and running automated test scripts..
Familiarity with industry standards (3GPP) and carrier test plans.
Education & Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field. Masters Degree Prefered
Experience: 10+ years of direct, hands-on experience in wireless device certification, RF/cellular testing, or telecom test automation.
Compliance Frameworks: Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory filings (FCC/ISED, CE, JPN, KC, TW, ANZ), and industry/carrier acceptance testing (PTCRB, GCF, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile).
Core Competencies
Project & Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong communication skills to act as a technical liaison internal hardware/software engineering teams, external certification labs and customers
Language (Plus): Professional working proficiency in Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean is highly advantageous.
Qualifications
Compensation Disclosure
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. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.
$170,000.00 - $277,000.00/yrOur 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 [email protected].
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.
Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes