# Shivani Chintalapalli > Principal Software Engineer @ Palo Alto Networks | Ex -Cisco | CCNP R&S | Python | Network Automation Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/shivanichintalapalli As a technical leader in cybersecurity, I specialize in Python automation and test framework development to streamline QA processes and enhance project milestone tracking. I have spearheaded the automation of Forwarding, Clustering, and FIPS/CC test cases, building a scalable test automation framework that improves efficiency across the team. With a deep foundation in network engineering, I have executed ASIC verification test plans across Layer 2, Layer 3, QoS, and Routing protocols alongside TLS/SSL validation. My expertise also extends to Layer 7 testing of Palo Alto Networks features, including App-ID, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, and SSL Decryption, ensuring end-to-end performance, security, and compliance for next-generation firewall platforms. ## Work Experience ### Principal Software Engineer @ Palo Alto Networks Jan 2019 – Present | Santa Clara * Developed Python-based automation scripts to collect, aggregate, and publish QA test metrics to Google Sheets, improving reporting accuracy, milestone tracking, and test coverage visibility. * Led FIPS and Common Criteria (CC) certification testing for Palo Alto Networks hardware firewalls, ensuring full compliance with FIPS 140-2, FIPS 140-3, and NIAP CC security standards. * Automated and executed 200+ forwarding test cases across Layer 2, Layer 3, and routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, static routing), and designed a scalable automation framework to accelerate regression and functional testing. * Validated L2/L3 networking features—including LACP, Aggregate Ethernet, VLAN, STP, OSPF, BGP, and VPN—on next-generation hardware firewalls running a Linux-based operating system. * Configured, validated, and tested NGFW features across multiple software releases to ensure performance optimization, security compliance, and high system reliability. * Partnered with cross-functional teams to integrate automation workflows into CI/CD pipelines, improving test efficiency and release quality. * Tested App-ID with SSL/TLS profiles (TLS 1.2/1.3) and verified application visibility, traffic classification, and reporting through the ACC (Application Command Center). * Performed IDS/IPS security testing as part of FIPSCC certification, ensuring threat detection accuracy and standards compliance. * Validated WildFire appliances for malware analysis workflows and leveraged AutoFocus to investigate unknown files, URLs, and threat signatures. * Tested manufacturing BIOS (mfg BIOS), TPM initialization, and Secure Boot functionality as part of new platform qualifications, ensuring hardware security, integrity, and readiness during platform bring-up. ### Sr Network Test Engineer - Enterprise Catalyst Switching Business Unit @ Cisco Jan 2013 – Jan 2019 | San Jose • Created and executed test plans and test cases for L2/L3 forwarding features, Qos on Next Generation Catalyst 3K and Catalyst 9k switches at Cisco Systems. • Collaborated with cross-functional engineering and product management teams to fix bugs and improve product quality and performance. • Reproduced and Validated customer filed defects , found RCA rand automated scenarios to enhance product quality. • Led FIPS and CC testing effort for Catalyst Switches and successfully certified all the products by collaborating with Acumen Security lab. ### Software QA Enginner @ Molecular Devices Jan 2009 – Jan 2012 | Sunnyvale , CA • Led a QA team in performing functional, regression, stress, and usability testing of microplate readers with software applications using Agile/Scrum methodology. • Managed defect tracking, risk assessments, and test reports, ensuring high-quality deliverables. • Collaborated closely with developers to track feature development progress and bug fixes. • Published test metrics and project reports, providing technical data for release notes. ### Systems Engineer @ Ericsson Jan 2006 – Jan 2008 | Hyderbad, India • Designed, generated, and executed test cases for defects at Ericsson, ensuring quality assurance. • Implemented test plans and strategies, including stability, load, and user acceptance tests. • Logged defects in tracking tool, prioritized them, and created test summary reports. • Worked at Tata Consultancy Services - Ericsson-Client in Hyderabad, India, honing skills in testing, automation and defect tracking. ## Education ### Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Computer Science JNTU ### CCNA in System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager Mission College ### St Anns High School ### Mathematics Sri Chaitanya College of Education ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/shivani-chintalapalli --- Source: https://flows.cv/shivanichintalapalli JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/shivanichintalapalli/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-12