[Hiring] Principal Threat Researcher @Palo Alto Networks

Role Description

As a Principal Threat Researcher within the Unit 42 National Security (NATSEC) team, you will leverage expert-level domain knowledge across nation-state Advanced Persistent Threats, cybercrime, and emerging threat landscapes. Operating as an independent self-starter, you will take full ownership of high-level tasking, complete priority research gaps, and drive custom intelligence research. You will be responsible for tracking global adversary trends, resolving RFIs, and embedding actionable findings to protect national security missions. Furthermore, you will deliver rapid-turnaround threat analysis during high-visibility cyber events and mentor junior analysts to influence broader company initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, correlate, and analyze threat data from disparate global datasets into a cohesive intelligence story.
• Lead threat research initiatives independently by designing, developing, and maintaining tools and workflows.
• Simplify complex technical findings into clear, tailored assessments for national security stakeholders.
• Perform pivot analysis across closed and open-source datasets to map C2 infrastructure and identify TTPs.
• Deliver rapid-turnaround threat analysis and technical feedback during major cyber events and urgent customer RFIs.
• Partner closely with internal research teams, product engineering, consulting, and sales to drive strategic alignment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in threat intelligence focused on ransomware, nation-state, cybercrime, and supply-chain risks.
• Expert understanding of the adversary’s attack lifecycle, TTPs, and high-fidelity indicators of compromise.
• Experience with data analysis tools, including passive DNS, network infrastructure analysis, and host-based information analysis.
• Knowledge of scripting languages to facilitate data collection and analysis.
• Proven ability to lead tasks and projects independently while providing recommendations for process improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills to navigate complex and ambiguous situations effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proven track record of collaborating across all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a mentor, team lead, or technical reviewer for technical research outputs.
• Ability to interpret and act on internal and external intelligence reports.
• Ability to conduct research on the dark web with appropriate levels of OpSec.
• Familiarity with static and dynamic malware analysis tools.
• Prior experience working within or alongside government agencies or fusion centers.
• Experienced public speaker at large industry conferences.
• Comfortable collaborating and working effectively within a fully remote team environment.
• Ability to adapt to changes in a growing team and prioritize work based on project needs and deadlines.

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/commissioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.

$172,100.00 - $278,300.00/yr

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 [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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.