Principal Machine Learning Engineer (SQL - RAG Systems)

Your Career

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Machine Learning Engineer with expertise in advanced ML techniques, data analytics, and the design and deployment of high-performance Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems. This role is ideal for someone passionate about leveraging machine learning to solve complex problems at scale.

Your Impact

• Design and implement cutting-edge machine learning models for RAG systems with a focus on scalability and real-world application performance
• Develop algorithms to optimize retrieval, inference, and response quality, including reranking techniques
• Collaborate on projects involving NLP, Recommender Systems, and large language models (LLMs)
• Work with open-source agent frameworks like LangChain, LLamaIndex or Langgraph for advanced AI solutions
• Design and manage scalable database solutions (SQL, OLAP, OTAP) to support high-performance analytics
• Fine-tune ML models and implement formal methods toolchains when necessary
• Communicate effectively across teams, influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels

Your Experience 

• 8+ years of industry experience in machine learning, data analytics, and software engineering
• Strong expertise in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and foundational computer science concepts (algorithms, data structures, system design)
• Familiarity with vector search technologies and frameworks in RAG systems
• Proficiency with SQL databases and experience handling performance, scalability, and optimization challenges
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent military experience) 

Preferred

• Proven experience designing and deploying RAG systems for real-world use cases
• In-depth understanding of retrieval optimization, reranking algorithms, and model fine-tuning techniques
• Strong background in NLP, recommender systems, and working with LLMs
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as both a self-driven individual contributor and team player

The Team

Our engineering team is at the core of our products – connected directly to the mission of preventing cyberattacks. We are constantly innovating – challenging the way we, and the industry, think about cybersecurity. Our engineers don’t shy away from building products to solve problems no one has pursued before.

We define the industry, instead of waiting for directions. We need individuals who feel comfortable in ambiguity, excited by the prospect of a challenge, and empowered by the unknown risks facing our everyday lives that are only enabled by a secure digital environment.

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 between $151000 - $246500/ YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that 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?: Yes