Software Engineer, Networking (Edge)
Tailscale · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $163,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Design and build global network infrastructure.
- Automate systems for scalability and availability.
- Troubleshoot complex networking issues.
- Contribute to open-source client code.
- Work in a fast-paced, remote startup.
About the role
About Tailscale
Tailscale is building the new Internet 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 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
- Most of the systems are developed in the Go programming language. Experience with Go is highly desired.
- 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
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.
We encourage you to help us break the statistic that historically marginalized groups apply only if they meet 100% of qualifications.
- An inclusive, flexible, remote-first environment.
- A competitive total compensation package including base salary, equity, and benefits.
- Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period.
- Support for personal and professional development ($1500 USD annually).
- Generous paid time off and a healthy work-life integration.
- Build-your-own home office setup.
- Generous parental leave program.
Key skills/competency
- Networking Software Development
- SRE/DevOps
- Go Programming Language
- Distributed Systems
- Network Engineering
- VPNs
- NAT Traversal
- Routing
- IP Addressing
- Troubleshooting
Skills & topics
- Software Engineer
- Networking
- Go
- SRE
- DevOps
- VPN
- Distributed Systems
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Remote
- Startup
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight networking software development, Go experience, and SRE/DevOps skills relevant to Tailscale's needs.
- Showcase problem-solving: Emphasize your experience troubleshooting complex network issues and contributing to distributed systems.
- Demonstrate remote work capability: Provide examples of successful asynchronous collaboration and self-motivation in previous roles.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on core networking principles like VPNs, routing, and IP addressing, and be ready to discuss Go-based systems.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Software Engineer Networking role at Tailscale?
- Tailscale is a remote-first company. This Software Engineer Networking role is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. The company emphasizes flexibility in how and when you work.
- What programming languages are most important for this Tailscale Software Engineer role?
- The job description explicitly states that most systems at Tailscale are developed in the Go programming language. Therefore, experience with Go is highly desired for this Software Engineer Networking position.
- What are the core networking principles I should be familiar with for this job?
- For the Software Engineer Networking position at Tailscale, you should have expertise in core networking principles such as VPNs, NAT traversal, routing, and IP addressing. This knowledge is crucial for designing and maintaining their global infrastructure.
- How does Tailscale approach compensation for its Software Engineers?
- Tailscale strives for fair and equitable compensation, offering a package that includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. The US pay range for this role is $163,000—$226,000 USD, with individual offers based on experience and skill set.
- What kind of professional development opportunities are available at Tailscale?
- Tailscale supports professional development with an annual allowance of $1500 USD for learning and growth. They also offer mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities to help you advance your career.
- Does Tailscale require specific office presence for remote employees?
- Tailscale is a remote-first company, and most teams work fully remotely. While some roles might require occasional in-office collaboration, this specific Software Engineer Networking role is described as fully remote with flexibility in how and when you work.
- What is the hiring process like at Tailscale for a Software Engineer?
- Tailscale's hiring process involves an initial screening and assessment that may use AI-assisted tools. However, all final hiring decisions are made by people. Expect to demonstrate your technical and collaborative skills throughout the process.