[Hiring] Software Engineer, Networking @Tailscale

Role Description

We’re seeking a skilled and diligent full-time Software Engineer to join our growing team. You will work as part of the Dataplane Engineering Team to:

• Contribute to the core client connectivity features of Tailscale by applying a deep understanding of network engineering and software development.
• Evolve and enhance the Tailscale connectivity offerings between clients, subnet routers, exit nodes and other integrations with customer network infrastructure.
• Provide architectural insights and resolve escalated customer network issues to fix complex connectivity problems.
• Collaborate with product management and internal engineering to develop integrated network solutions that prioritize scalability and ease of maintenance while ensuring a superior customer experience.

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.

Qualifications

• Significant experience with networking software and diagnosing networking issues.
• Possess a comprehensive grasp of networking engineering, such as routing, VPNs, IP address management, and NAT traversal.
• Proficiency in Go or other low-level languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust), including a strong grasp of concurrent programming and techniques for optimizing performance.
• Experience with large scale distributed systems is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of low-level OS network stacks is highly desirable.
• 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.

Requirements

• Design, build, test, and document core Tailscale’s client-side networking software.
• Advance product features by building upon or merging established industry network protocols with Tailscale's specific designs and frameworks.
• Adopt a security-centric approach to both architecture and coding to guarantee the resilience and safety of networking modules.
• Evaluate and optimize the performance, reliability, and scale of our software across a wide array of technical platforms and hardware.
• Provide expert consultation and support the customer success teams with critical network escalations within key customer environments.
• Engage actively with the open-source community and contribute to relevant projects.

Benefits

• An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self.
• A competitive total compensation package, including base salary, an equity incentive plan, and variable commission (for quota-based roles).
• Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period, including 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 flexible program to support work-life integration.
• A build-your-own home office setup with a company-owned laptop and $500 USD to customize your workstation.
• Paid parental leave program with top-ups for birthing and non-birthing parents.