Principal Architect, Public Sector (SLED)

$239,000 - $278,750/Yr

Palo Alto Networks - Santa Clara, CA

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Santa Clara, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Principal Solutions Architect at Palo Alto Networks is responsible for leading the technical strategy for strategic partnerships within the US State, Local, and Education (SLED) customer segment. This role involves acting as a technical advisor and thought leader, aligning solutions to customer needs, and enhancing sales productivity through effective technical strategies and initiatives. The position requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges faced by public sector clients and the ability to articulate and implement solutions that address these challenges.

Responsibilities

• Function as a technical advisor and advocate for SLED customers.
• Align Palo Alto Networks solutions to customer problems and architecture.
• Provide guidance on integrating Palo Alto Networks solutions into customer environments.
• Educate customers on effective risk reduction and compliance strategies.
• Lead national technical programs focused on the SLED customer segment.
• Engage with senior technical and business leaders to expand the install base.
• Develop and deliver differentiated proposals demonstrating business and technical value.
• Document technological gaps between Palo Alto Networks and competitors.
• Maintain a deep understanding of competing solutions and architectures.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, particularly in SLED environments.
• Extensive knowledge of network, cloud, and endpoint security architectures.
• Experience developing complex multi-product architectures.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated with a strong problem-solving ability.
• Solid fundamental networking background.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in sales and establishing credibility with large accounts.
• Military experience or equivalent technical background.

Benefits

• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
• Flexible benefits spending account
• Mental and financial health resources
• Personalized learning opportunities