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
• Proficiency in or high desire to work with Go (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

What We Offer

• An inclusive, flexible environment: Work in a culture that supports diversity and work-life integration.
• Competitive compensation: Base salary plus equity incentive plan.
• Comprehensive group benefits: Health, vision, dental, and more with no waiting period.
• Remote-first culture: Work from anywhere you have reliable Wi-Fi, plus access to corporate coworking spaces.
• Retirement match: Dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 0.75% of eligible compensation.
• In-person connections: Annual company retreat, team offsites, and intentional travel.
• Professional development: $1,500 USD annual budget for learning, mentorship, and coaching.
• Flexible paid time off: Generous PTO program to rest and recharge.
• Home office setup: Company-owned laptop (Mac or PC), monthly internet reimbursement, and a $500 USD workstation setup stipend.
• Paid parental leave: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents.