Principal/Senior Windows Exploit Researcher (Cortex)

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 As a Principal/Senior Windows Exploit Researcher, you will be a key member of our Tel Aviv R&D center, responsible for leading research into Windows Anti-Exploit capabilities. You will leverage your top-notch knowledge of the latest exploitation techniques and deep Windows internals to architect and develop the next generation of security protections. Your work will directly contribute to safeguarding our customers from the most sophisticated cyber threats. Key Responsibilities Lead advanced research into novel vulnerabilities and complex exploits targeting the Windows operating system. Architect, develop, and improve sophisticated anti-exploitation mitigations using low-level OS mechanisms, challenging the status quo with innovative solutions. Drive the design, evaluation, and implementation of next-generation security technologies from conception to deployment. Develop proof-of-concept (POC) exploits to validate research findings and test the effectiveness of new and existing mitigations. Analyze customer escalations to help with detecting and preventing malicious activities in our customers’ networks Publish research done internally Qualifications Required Qualifications 4+ years of hands-on experience in reverse engineering, including both static and dynamic analysis. 2+ years of experience in vulnerability research, exploit development and bypassing OS-level mitigations. Expert-level knowledge of Windows operating system internals and low-level OS research experience. Experience in C/C++ development, including Win32 API. Experience in a scripting language, with a preference for Python. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team Ability to work under pressure with strict deadlines, and to prioritize projects Strong attention to detail 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. Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.