Principal IT Solution Architect

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

The Team

Information Technology

Job Summary

As the Principal IT Solution Architect - NPI, you will lead the solution strategy, technical architectural design, and automation of our E2E NPI processes that includes Quote-to-Cash (Salesforce CPQ) , ERP (SAP), and custom provisioning/licensing engines.   In this highly visible role, you will serve as the strategic and technical bridge between core business monetization strategies and existing and emerging AI capabilities.

You will not just design traditional system configurations; you will apply a "Design-First" first-principles mindset to embed intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and generative AI/LLM agentic workflows into our core Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) , billing , licensing pipelines. You will own the end-to-end (E2E) technical execution of complex NPI monetization models, orchestrating how our enterprise systems—including Salesforce (CRM/CPQ), ERP ( SAP), and custom provisioning/licensing engines—cohesively integrate and exchange data.

This is an in office role in our HQ, Santa Clara, CA 3 days/week

Key Responsibilities

• System Strategy & "Design-First" NPI: Own the end-to-end technical system architecture for complex New Product Introductions. Design and optimize complex, scalable integrations that balance business velocity with rigorous financial and technical standards.

• AI & Intelligent Automation: Spearhead the architectural transformation of E2E Q2C workflows using emerging AI capabilities. Design and implement architectures utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic frameworks within the enterprise context to automate repetitive processes, and complex validations.

• Enterprise Integration & API Strategy: Design and document holistic integration strategies across our enterprise software stack. 

• Data Modeling & Financial Integrity: Map complex, multi-tiered data flows across systems. Ensure total data integrity for critical capabilities like zero-dollar contract amendments, co-termed entitlement generation, and ASC 606 revenue recognition waterfalls.

• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead technical design reviews with engineering and IT development teams. Proactively identify dependencies, risks, and synergies across technical domains. Guide, mentor, and elevate the technical capabilities of junior architects, developers, and engineers.

• Prototyping & AI Co-Piloting: Act as a self-starter to develop proof-of-concepts (POCs) for novel technical integrations and improving E2E automations and workflows.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering, technical product management, or enterprise IT solution architecture.

• Domain Expertise: Deep technical understanding of Quote-to-Cash (Q2C) and Opportunity-to-Cash (O2C) lifecycles. Solid technical proficiency in Salesforce CRM/CPQ and downstream billing/Revenue systems like SAP.

• Technical Depth: Strong background in database design, data modeling, and custom business application development.

• Deep expertise in API architectures (RESTful, SOAP, GraphQL), JSON/XML, and modern middleware/enterprise service buses (ESBs).

• Ability to read, write, and debug code (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, Apex) to lead hands-on technical design sessions and build working integration prototypes.

• Autonomy & Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills. Highly comfortable navigating ambiguity, taking independent ownership of complex business scenarios, and converting abstract product monetization concepts into robust backend system workflows.

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.

$167,000.00 - $270,500.00/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.