Tailscale Logo

Tailscale

Backend Engineer, Control Plane

Posted 4 Days Ago
Remote
Hiring Remotely in United States
163K-226K Annually
Entry level
Remote
Hiring Remotely in United States
163K-226K Annually
Entry level
Develop and maintain Tailscale’s control plane, relay infrastructure, identity integrations, open-source client code, and backend services. Design, test, document, and operate scalable software with strong observability and security. Participate in incident response and customer escalations, improve system efficiency and stability, and collaborate asynchronously with engineers, designers, and product managers throughout the product lifecycle.
The summary above was generated by AI

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.

Job 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.

What We Are Looking For

  • 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

As a company, we strive to maintain fair and equitable compensation practices within our team across all roles and all levels. Tailscale's compensation package includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. The salary range displayed on each job posting represents the target range for a new hire's base salary. Individual offers may vary based on experience and skill set.

US Pay Range
$163,000$226,000 USD

Frequently cited statistics show that people who identify with historically marginalized groups are likely to apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage you to help us break that statistic!

What We Offer

  • An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self. We recognize the impact of diverse voices and backgrounds on the growth of our people, product, and company. And that flexibility in how and when you work empowers our team to integrate work and life.
  • A competitive total compensation package. This includes a base salary, an equity incentive plan and variable commission (for quota-based roles).
  • Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period. Take advantage of coverage for health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family!
  • Remote first company—most of our teams work fully remotely. Enjoy a change of scenery wherever you can get wifi, participate in virtual and in-person social events, and leverage our corporate co-working program to visit WeWork (or other similar spaces near you). Some roles require in-office collaboration depending on team needs, which will be clearly noted in the job description.
  • 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.
  • Connect with other Tailscalars IRL. Attend our annual company retreat, participate in team off-sites, and collaborate in person with teammates across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. We support intentional in-person connection through team travel and distributed collaboration.
  • Support for your personal and professional development. Grow your career thoughtfully with $1500 USD annually for professional development, or take advantage of mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities. 
  • Paid time off and a healthy work-life integration. Our flexible, paid time off program supports you for any situation life throws your way, whether moving homes or travelling the world! 
  • A build-your-own home office setup. You choose your own company-owned laptop (Mac or PC), receive a monthly home internet reimbursement, and $500 USD to customize your workstation to make it your own. 
  • Paid parental leave program. We care about your life outside of work and encourage new parents to take advantage of parental leave top-ups (20 weeks for birthing parents, 16 weeks for non-birthing parents).

Tailscale is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring process. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process or related to any aspect of this role, please contact your recruiter.

Our hiring process uses AI-assisted tools to help screen and assess candidates. All hiring decisions are made by people.

Please be aware that legitimate emails from Tailscale's talent team will only originate from @tailscale.com, @greenhouse.io, and @interviews.modernloop.io email addresses. For more information about protecting yourself from impersonators and scams, please visit https://tailscale.com/scam-awareness.

Similar Jobs

6 Minutes Ago
Remote or Hybrid
185K-327K Annually
Senior level
185K-327K Annually
Senior level
Fintech • Payments • Software • Financial Services
Own the full sales cycle for mid-market commerce merchants across Cash App Pay and Afterpay, from prospecting and discovery through negotiation, contracting, launch, and handoff. Build pipeline, develop account plans and business cases, negotiate commercial terms, coordinate cross-functional deal teams, maintain Salesforce forecasts, deliver revenue targets, and provide market feedback. The role requires strong B2B sales, executive relationship-building, commercial judgment, technical fluency, and willingness to travel.
Top Skills: AfterpayCash App PaySalesforce
6 Minutes Ago
Remote or Hybrid
224K-395K Annually
Senior level
224K-395K Annually
Senior level
Fintech • Payments • Software • Financial Services
Own the full enterprise sales cycle for Block’s commerce and payments portfolio, from prospecting and account strategy through negotiation, launch, and expansion. Build executive relationships with global brands, develop commercial strategies, negotiate complex agreements, coordinate cross-functional teams, and deliver revenue targets. The role requires expertise in enterprise selling, payments or digital commerce, financial analysis, pipeline management, and strategic partnership development.
Top Skills: AfterpayCash AppCash App Pay
6 Minutes Ago
Remote or Hybrid
224K-395K Annually
Senior level
224K-395K Annually
Senior level
Fintech • Payments • Software • Financial Services
Own the full enterprise sales cycle for Block’s commerce and payments portfolio, from prospecting and account strategy through negotiation, launch, and expansion. Build executive relationships, develop revenue opportunities, lead complex partnerships, negotiate commercial agreements, coordinate cross-functional teams, and provide market feedback to Product and Go-to-Market teams. The role requires strong enterprise selling, financial analysis, deal management, and familiarity with payments, fintech, and digital commerce.
Top Skills: AfterpayCash AppClearpay

What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene

Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.

Key Facts About Seattle Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
  • Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account