Palo Alto Networks Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Palo Alto Networks is a global leader in cybersecurity and is dedicated to protecting our digital way of life. As the fastest-growing security company, they are committed to challenging and evolving the industry’s norms to ensure a safer, more secure digital world.

In this guide, we’ll tackle how they conduct their interviews, along with commonly asked Palo Alto Networks software engineer interview questions to help you prepare better. Let’s get started!

❝I interviewed for a Software Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks in Pune. The interview process included four rounds: an online test with DSA questions, a tech interview with questions on OS, databases, system design, networking, and DSA, followed by an HR interview with situational questions. ❞

Uma S.

❝I applied online for a role at Palo Alto Networks in Bengaluru, where the interview process was structured with tough aptitude and moderate-to-hard coding questions. The technical interview was based on projects and coding skills. ❞

Lena S.

❝I had a quick and professional interview process at Palo Alto Networks in Tel Aviv, starting with an HR round, followed by an assignment, and then an algorithm question. The overall process was reasonable and well-structured. ❞

Devi C.

The Palo Alto Networks software engineer interview process varies by role and seniority, but candidates can generally expect several well-structured stages.

3.1 Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV is shortlisted, a recruiter from the Talent Acquisition Team will contact you to review your background, skills, and interest in the role. Behavioral questions may be included, and sometimes the hiring manager joins to discuss the position and answer your questions. These calls typically last about 30 minutes.

One candidate shared, “I had a quick and professional interview process at Palo Alto Networks in Tel Aviv, starting with an HR round, followed by an assignment, and then an algorithm question. The overall process was reasonable and well-structured.”

3.2 Technical Virtual Interview

Passing the recruiter screening leads to a technical interview, usually held via video conference with screen sharing. This 1-hour round may cover:

• Computer networking (OSI Model, network protocols, TCP/IP, etc.)
• Coding challenges on data structures and algorithms
• Basic SQL and database concepts
• System design questions

Another interviewee described this stage as “structured with tough aptitude and moderate-to-hard coding questions. The technical interview was based on projects and coding skills.”

3.3 Technical Assessments and Virtual Onsite Rounds

After a second recruiter call explaining the next steps, you may receive a technical assessment on platforms like Codility or LeetCode. These assessments typically include coding questions ranging from easy to medium difficulty.

The virtual onsite loop then consists of several interview rounds over 1–2 days, often including:

3.3.1 Coding Round

Algorithm and data structure problems, usually in Python, C, or Java. Expect LeetCode-style challenges.

3.3.2 System Design

Design scenarios related to real-world tasks, such as ETL pipelines or scalable system architecture.

3.3.3 Domain Knowledge

In-depth questions on networks, operating systems, DBMS, cloud technologies, and possibly security-related project experience.

3.3.4 Behavioral and Managerial Round

Questions on leadership, collaboration, and soft skills. Expect discussions about past projects, teamwork, and how you approach problem-solving.

As one candidate recounted, “The interview process included four rounds: an online test with DSA questions, a tech interview with questions on OS, databases, system design, networking, and DSA, followed by an HR interview with situational questions.”

4.1 Common Software Engineer Interview Questions

4.1.1 Create a function is_subsequence to determine if one string is a subsequence of another.

Given two strings, string1 and string2, write a function to determine if string1 is a subsequence of string2.

4.1.2 Implement a SinglyLinkedList class with methods for adding, removing, and accessing elements.

Design a SinglyLinkedList class supporting methods to add to the head or tail, remove from the head or tail, check membership, access elements by index, and get the list length.

4.1.3 Write a function swap_node to swap nodes at given positions in a singly linked list.

Given the head of a singly linked list and two positions, x and y, implement a function to swap the nodes at those positions using pointer manipulation (not value swapping).

4.1.4 What is the relationship between PCA and K-means clustering?

Explain how Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering relate. Discuss how PCA can be used to preprocess data before K-means is applied.

4.1.5 What are kernel methods in machine learning?

Describe kernel methods—their purpose, how they work, and their role in machine learning.

4.1.6 You have an array of integers, nums, of length n spanning 0 to n with one missing. Write a function missing_number that returns the missing number in the array.

Implement a function to find the single missing number in an array of length n containing numbers from 0 to n in O(n) time.

4.1.7 Given a list of tuples with names and grades, write a function normalize_grades to normalize the grades to a scale between 0 and 1.

Given a list of (name, grade) tuples, create a function that normalizes the grades linearly between 0 and 1, based on the minimum and maximum grades in the list.

Thorough preparation is key to success in the Palo Alto Networks software engineer interview. Here are a few tips to help you stand out:

• Master the Fundamentals: Review computer science basics, especially networking and operating systems. Be familiar with concepts like the OSI model and TCP/IP protocols.
• Practice Coding: Solve coding questions on platforms such as LeetCode, focusing on algorithms, data structures, and system design. Be ready for both theoretical and hands-on coding challenges.
• Understand the Company Mission: Research Palo Alto Networks’ core values and cybersecurity mission. Prepare to discuss how your background and skills align with the company’s goals.

6.1 What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

6.2 What technical skills should I focus on for a Software Engineer role at Palo Alto Networks?

Emphasize proficiency in Python, Golang, or C, strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms, and a solid grasp of networking fundamentals. Familiarity with cloud platforms (especially GCP), Kubernetes, and tools like Apache Beam is also valuable.

6.3 How is the Palo Alto Networks software engineer interview structured?

The process includes a recruiter screening, a technical virtual interview (covering coding, networking, OS, and SQL basics), coding challenges, and virtual onsite rounds with system design, domain knowledge, and behavioral interviews.

6.4 How can I best prepare for the interview?

Review CS fundamentals, especially networking and OS topics. Practice coding problems, and study Palo Alto Networks’ mission to align your answers with the company’s values.

6.5 What work culture can I expect at Palo Alto Networks?

Expect a collaborative, flexible environment that values learning, innovation, and well-being. Teams often operate in hybrid models, combining in-person and remote work.

6.6 Does Palo Alto Networks prioritize diversity and inclusion?

Yes. The company is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing accommodations, equal opportunities, and a welcoming workplace for all employees.

6.7 What programming languages are commonly used at Palo Alto Networks?

Python, Golang, and C are frequently used, reflecting the company’s focus on scalable, high-performance cybersecurity solutions.

6.8 Are behavioral questions part of the interview process?

Yes, expect behavioral and situational questions in recruiter screenings and final interviews to assess leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

6.9 How important is domain knowledge in networking and security?

Very important. You’ll be tested on networking protocols, OS concepts, databases, and cloud security relevant to the cybersecurity field.

6.10 What resources does Interview Query offer for Palo Alto Networks interview prep?

Interview Query provides curated practice questions, mock interviews, and role-specific guides to help you prepare thoroughly for Palo Alto Networks interviews.

Securing a software engineer position at Palo Alto Networks is challenging but highly rewarding. The rigorous interview process reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in cybersecurity. For more insights, check out our Palo Alto Networks Interview Guide or explore our guides for roles like data engineer and data scientist to learn about other interview processes at the company.

Good luck with your interview!