Senior Principal Software EngineerThe Layer 7 security team is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead the design and development of next-generation Layer 7 security capabilities. This is a strategic role responsible for driving innovation in systems that operate at massive scale and protect mission-critical infrastructure worldwide. You will define architecture, influence product direction, and lead the development of security technologies that address sophisticated and evolving threats.
This role requires deep expertise in systems programming, networking, and distributed systems, along with a strong track record of delivering high-performance, production-grade software.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the architecture, design, and development of advanced Layer 7 security capabilities within next-generation firewall platformsDrive the development of highly scalable, real-time, distributed cloud security systemsDefine and implement robust, high-performance, and maintainable system architecturesSet technical direction for critical components, ensuring scalability, reliability, and securityPartner with product management, security research, and platform teams to translate complex requirements into executable designsLead end-to-end execution across the software development lifecycle, from concept through deployment and sustainmentEstablish and enforce engineering best practices, including code quality, performance optimization, and secure developmentMentor senior and junior engineers, and elevate the technical capabilities of the organizationIdentify architectural, tooling, and process gaps and drive improvements at an organizational levelServe as a technical authority for debugging, performance tuning, and complex system challengesQualificationsRequired QualificationsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical/military experience12+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant time in senior technical leadership rolesExpert-level proficiency in C and strong proficiency in GoExtensive experience developing in Unix/Linux environmentsProven experience designing and building large-scale, high-performance distributed systemsDeep expertise in networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP internals and network security technologiesAdvanced experience with multi-threaded, multi-process, and multi-core system designStrong foundation in data structures, algorithms, and systems-level performance optimizationDemonstrated ability to lead architecture and deliver complex, cross-functional initiativesStrong communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholdersPreferred QualificationsExperience with cloud platforms, orchestration systems, and containerized deploymentsExpertise in TLS/SSL internals, cryptography, and libraries such as OpenSSLExperience with HTTP protocols and backend service developmentProficiency in Python for tooling, automation, or system integrationCompensation DisclosureThe 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.$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/yrOur CommitmentWe'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 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