Backend Engineer, Control Plane

Summary

Tailscale develops software that securely interconnects people and their devices across networks. The Backend Engineer will join the Control Plane Team to develop open source client code and backend services, own features across the product lifecycle, and collaborate with UX/UI designers and product managers. The role also involves designing core software components, improving system reliability and scalability, and supporting running services.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Skills

• 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

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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. This includes 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.
• Virtual and in-person social events.
• Corporate co-working program to visit WeWork or other similar spaces near you.
• Annual company retreat and team off-sites.
• Team travel and distributed collaboration with teammates across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
• $1500 USD annually for professional development.
• Mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities.
• Paid time off and a healthy work-life integration.
• A company-owned laptop of your choice (Mac or PC).
• Monthly home internet reimbursement.
• $500 USD to customize your workstation.
• Paid parental leave top-ups: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents.
• Employer-funded retirement contributions: Tailscale will match your retirement contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum annual employer contribution equal to 0.75% of your eligible compensation.