Software Engineer, Networking (Edge) - Tailscale

About Tailscale

Tailscale is making safe connection effortless 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.

About the Role

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:

• Utilize extensive network engineering knowledge coupled with software development and SRE/DevOps proficiency to design, construct, and oversee Tailscale’s global Funnel and DERP relay infrastructure.
• Promote operational excellence and automation to guarantee the scalability, high availability, and performance of hosted services.
• Offer architectural guidance and troubleshoot escalated networking problems for customers to address intricate connectivity issues.
• Partner with internal engineering and product groups to advance hosted services and clients, ensuring updates provide broad value to our customer base.
• Support network connectivity capabilities and features by contributing to the open-source client code and developing the Tailscale product dataplane.

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

• Design, construct, evaluate, and provide documentation for networking features, connectivity solutions, and the open-source client-code network dataplane.
• Enhance and iterate on product capabilities, specifically focusing on Funnel and DERP relay infrastructures and their associated network protocols.
• Investigate and rectify complex, escalated network difficulties encountered across diverse technical environments.
• Maintain accountability for Tailscale's live services by integrating observability, engaging in incident management, and managing technical support escalations.
• Evaluate and boost the performance, reliability, and scaling capabilities of our networking resources and systems.
• Apply a security-centric approach to every stage of development, from initial design to final implementation of networking components.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven track record in networking software development and troubleshooting.
• Expertise in core networking principles such as VPNs, NAT traversal, routing, and IP addressing.
• Experience with distributed systems, maintaining global-scale services, and applying SRE & DevOps methodologies.
• Strong familiarity with the Go programming language (most systems are developed in Go).
• Strong interpersonal skills for exchanging constructive feedback and the autonomy to work solo.
• Adaptability to thrive within a fast-paced startup environment.
• Superior communication abilities, both in writing and speaking.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Pay & Equity: Competitive base salary ($218,420—$302,840 CAD) and equity incentive plan.
• Inclusive, Flexible Environment: Fully remote company culture with flexibility in how and when you work.
• Comprehensive Group Benefits: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family with no waiting period.
• Retirement Contributions: Tailscale matches retirement contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 0.75% of eligible compensation.
• Flexible PTO: Generous paid time off program supporting flexible work-life integration.
• Parental Leave: 20 weeks of top-up leave for birthing parents, 16 weeks for non-birthing parents.
• Home Office & Internet: Company-owned laptop of choice (Mac or PC), $500 USD workstation setup stipend, and monthly home internet reimbursement.
• Co-working Program: Access to WeWork and similar local co-working spaces.
• Professional Growth: $1,500 USD annual professional development budget, plus coaching and mentorship programs.
• In-Person Gatherings: Annual company retreats and team off-sites.