Software Engineer, Networking (Features)

About Tailscale

Tailscale is building the new Internet by delivering software that makes it easy to securely interconnect people and their devices, no matter where they are. From hobbyists to multinational corporations, teams of every size use Tailscale each day to protect their networks, share access to internal tools, and more. We're building a future for the Internet that's easy, sensible, and safe, like it used to be. Founded in 2019 and fully distributed, we're backed by Accel, CRV, Insight, Heavybit, and Uncork Capital.

Job Description

We’re seeking a skilled and diligent full-time Software Engineer to join our growing team. You will work as part of the engineering team to develop the Tailscale product, contributing to both open-source client code and related backend services, with an emphasis on networking features and optimizations. You will take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, from writing code to product ideation and strategic decision-making. You will work with UX/UI designers and product managers to shape features that enhance networking capabilities. Because we’re an early-stage and fully remote company, we’re looking for a strongly motivated individual who can help move the product forward. The ability to think on your feet, collaborate with highly technical teams, and comfort working asynchronously are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team of engineers to design, build, test, and document core networking software components.
• Exhibit ownership over the running services that comprise Tailscale’s product by building for observability, participating in incident response, and fielding customer support escalations.
• Analyze and improve the efficiency, scalability, and stability of networking systems and resources.
• Bring a security-first mindset to both design and implementation, ensuring robust and secure networking components.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience implementing application-layer networking concepts and distributed components (e.g., proxies, connectors, overlay routing) to enable seamless connectivity.
• Deep knowledge of operating system-level networking internals (e.g., socket programming, routing tables, packet filtering primitives).
• Professional experience with Go (Golang).
• Experience designing and maintaining distributed systems, with a solid understanding of concurrency (e.g., multithreading, race conditions, memory management, synchronization primitives) and scalability.
• Proficiency with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and writing efficient SQL queries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Strong collaborative mindset—actively give and process constructive feedback and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Startup-ready flexibility, with adaptability to pivot and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Tailscale strives to maintain fair and equitable compensation practices. The compensation package includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. The salary range displayed represents the target range for a new hire's base salary. Individual offers may vary based on experience and skill set.

CAN Pay Range: $218,420 - $302,840 CAD

What We Offer:

• Inclusive, Flexible Environment: Be your authentic self in an environment that values diverse voices and backgrounds, with flexibility to integrate work and life.
• Competitive Total Compensation Package: Includes base salary, equity incentive plan, and variable commission (for quota-based roles).
• Comprehensive Group Benefits: No waiting period for coverage for health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family.
• Remote First Company: Work from anywhere with WiFi, participate in virtual and in-person events, and leverage our corporate co-working program. Some roles may require occasional in-office collaboration.
• Connect with Tailscalars IRL: Participate in annual company retreats, team off-sites, and collaborate in person.
• Professional Development Support: $1500 USD annually for professional development, mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities.
• Paid Time Off & Healthy Work-Life Integration: Flexible PTO program supports various life situations.
• Build-Your-Own Home Office Setup: Choose your company-owned laptop (Mac or PC), receive monthly home internet reimbursement, and $1000 USD for workstation customization.
• Generous Parental Leave: Parental leave top-ups for up to 26 weeks from your first day.

Tailscale is committed to an accessible and inclusive hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact your recruiter. Our hiring process uses AI-assisted tools, but all hiring decisions are made by people. Legitimate emails from Tailscale will originate from @tailscale.com, @greenhouse.io, and @interviews.modernloop.io addresses.