Channel Systems Engineer

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.
Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Who We Are

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers and we believe that the unique ideas of every member of our team contributes to our collective success. Our values were crowdsourced by employees and are brought to life through each of us everyday - from disruptive innovation and collaboration, to execution. From showing up for each other with integrity to creating an environment where we all feel included.

As a member of our team, you will be shaping the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and we respect each employee as a unique individual. Knowing we all have different needs, our development and personal wellbeing programs are designed to give you choice in how you are supported. This includes our FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items selected by employees, our mental and financial health resources, and our personalized learning opportunities - just to name a few!

Your Career

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Channel Systems Engineer  to join our team, focusing on the CDW Commercial sector. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in network, endpoint and cloud security and have a proven track record of success with CDW, specifically with 7 or more years of experience in the channel or at CDW. This role is a key technical position, responsible for supporting our sales efforts and strengthening our partnership with CDW.

Your Impact

• Technical Expertise: Act as the primary technical subject matter expert for our network security solutions within the CDW commercial segment. This includes conducting product demonstrations, presentations, and technical deep dives for both CDW sales teams and end customers.
• Sales and Partnership Support: Collaborate closely with the sales team to develop and execute technical strategies that drive revenue and market share through the CDW channel. Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key CDW stakeholders, including account managers, solutions architects, and leadership.
• Pre-Sales Support: Provide comprehensive pre-sales support, including responding to RFIs/RFPs, creating solution architectures, and assisting with bill of materials. Offer technical guidance and support during the post-sales implementation phase to ensure customer success and satisfaction.
• Training and Enablement: Develop and deliver technical training programs for the CDW sales force to enhance their knowledge and confidence in positioning our network security products. Stay current with industry trends and competitive technologies to effectively articulate our value proposition.
• Drive commercial demand generation activities:  Work with Palo Alto Networks Leadership and CDW Leadership to drive pipeline generating initiatives with Marketing and Channel Business Managers.

Your Experience 

• A minimum of 7+ years of direct experience working in a solutions engineering or a similar technical role within the CDW commercial channel is required.
• Technical Skills: Extensive and demonstrable experience in network endpoint and cloud security, including a strong understanding of firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and other related security technologies.
• Communication: Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Must be adept at explaining complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Sales Acumen: Strong business and sales acumen with the ability to translate technical features into tangible business benefits.
• Location: This is a Chicago based position, but the candidate must be willing to travel as needed (10-15%) to support CDW and partner engagements. The candidate will also need to be based in Chicago and be onsite 4-5 days per week at CDW offices.

The Team

As part of our Systems Engineering team, you’ll support the sales team with technical expertise and guidance when establishing trust with key clients. You won’t find someone at Palo Alto Networks that isn’t committed to your success – with everyone pitching in to assist when it comes to solutions selling, learning, and development. As a member of our systems engineer team, you are driven by a solutions-focused sales environment and find fulfillment in working with clients to resolve incredible complex cyberthreats. 

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 $198000 - $273000/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.