Backend Engineer, Control Plane

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. Founded in 2019 and fully distributed, we're backed by Accel, CRV, Insight, Heavybit, and Uncork Capital.

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; and 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.

• 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

UK Pay Range: £128,770—£178,540 GBP. Tailscale's compensation package includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. We offer an inclusive, flexible environment; a competitive total compensation package including base salary, equity incentive plan, and variable commission (for quota-based roles); comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period covering health, vision, dental, and more; remote-first company; employer-funded retirement contributions with dollar-for-dollar match up to 0.75% of eligible compensation; annual company retreat and team off-sites; $1500 USD annually for professional development; flexible paid time off; build-your-own home office setup with company-owned laptop, monthly home internet reimbursement, and $500 USD workstation customization; and paid parental leave program (20 weeks for birthing parents, 16 weeks for non-birthing parents).

If this job description resonates with you, please apply. Tailscale is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact your recruiter. Our hiring process uses AI-assisted tools to help screen and assess candidates. All hiring decisions are made by people. Legitimate emails from Tailscale's talent team will only originate from @tailscale.com, @greenhouse.io, and @interviews.modernloop.io email addresses.