[Hiring] Backend Engineer @Tailscale

Role Description

We’re seeking a skilled and diligent full-time Software Engineer to join our growing Control Plane 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;
• Take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, from writing code to product ideation and strategic decision-making;
• Work closely with UX/UI designers and product managers to shape features.

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 at crucial intersections of the technology and organization: in this case, the control plane and the various services it comprises and supports. 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 software components.
• Develop product features in areas that include our control plane, our relay infrastructure, and our identity integrations.
• 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 efficiency, scalability, and stability of various system resources.
• Bring a security-first mindset to both design and implementation.

Qualifications

• Experience with distributed systems
• Experience with the Go programming language
• Experience with one or more SQL databases
• Familiarity with networking (IP addressing, routing, etc.)
• Ability to give and process constructive feedback, as well as work independently
• Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

• An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self.
• A competitive total compensation package, including base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits.
• Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period, covering health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family!
• Remote first company—most of our teams work fully remotely.
• Employer-funded retirement contributions, matching your retirement contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum annual employer contribution equal to 0.75% of your eligible compensation.
• Connect with other Tailscalars IRL through annual company retreats and team off-sites.
• Support for your personal and professional development with $1500 USD annually for professional development.
• Paid time off and a healthy work-life integration with a flexible, paid time off program.
• A build-your-own home office setup, including a company-owned laptop and $500 USD to customize your workstation.
• Paid parental leave program with top-ups for birthing and non-birthing parents.