Minimum of 7 years in threat intelligence focusing on ransomware, nation-state, cybercrime, and supply-chain risks.
Expert understanding of adversary attack lifecycle, TTPs, and indicators of compromise.
Experience with data analysis tools like passive DNS and network infrastructure analysis.
Knowledge of scripting languages for data collection and analysis.
Proven ability to lead projects independently and recommend process improvements.
Strong problem-solving skills for complex situations.
Excellent communication skills with a track record of collaboration across all levels.
Responsibilities
Collect, correlate, and analyze threat data into a cohesive intelligence narrative.
Lead independent threat research initiatives by developing tools and workflows.
Simplify complex findings into clear assessments for national security stakeholders.
Perform pivot analysis to map C2 infrastructure and identify TTPs.
Deliver rapid threat analysis during major cyber events and urgent RFIs.
Collaborate with internal teams to drive strategic alignment.
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.
Professional development opportunities and mentorship programs.
Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
Participation in high-visibility projects impacting national security.
Full Job Description
Job Summary
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
Required 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/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.
$172,100.00 - $278,300.00/yr
About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is an American multinational cybersecurity company with headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Its core products are a platform that includes advanced firewalls and cloud-based offerings that extend those firewalls to cover other aspects of security. The company serves over 70,000 organizations in over 150 countries, including 85 of the Fortune 100. It is home to the Unit 42 threat research team and hosts the Ignite cybersecurity conference.
