Backend Engineer, Control Plane

Tailscale; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A remote-first tech company is seeking a full-time Software Engineer to join their Control Plane Team. The role involves collaborating with engineers, contributing to open source client code, and overseeing product lifecycle. Candidates should have experience with distributed systems and the Go language. The company offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and a flexible work environment that values diversity and inclusivity.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Comprehensive group benefits

Flexible working environment

Paid time off

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Experience with distributed systems.
• Experience with the Go programming language.
• Experience with one or more SQL databases.
• Familiarity with networking concepts.
• Flexibility to adjust to startup dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and document core software components.
• Develop product features in control plane and relay infrastructure.
• Own running services and handle customer support escalations.
• Analyze and improve system resource efficiency and stability.
• Maintain a security-first mindset in design and implementation.

Skills

Distributed systems

Go programming language

SQL databases

Networking (IP addressing, routing)

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Overview

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 to protect their networks and share access to internal tools. Founded in 2019 and fully distributed, we are backed by Accel, CRV, Insight, Heavybit, and Uncork Capital.

We are 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 contribute to both open source client code and related backend services, and to own the product lifecycle from coding to ideation and strategy. You will collaborate with UX/UI designers and product managers to shape features.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team of engineers to design, build, test, and document core software components.
• Develop product features in areas including our control plane, relay infrastructure, and identity integrations.
• Own running services by building for observability, participating in incident response, and handling customer support escalations.
• Analyze and improve efficiency, scalability, and stability of 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 and work independently
• Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What We Offer

• An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self. We recognize the impact of diverse voices on growth and offer flexibility in how and when you work.
• A competitive total compensation package with base salary, equity, and a benefits program.
• Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period for health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family.
• Remote-first company with optional in-office collaboration; some roles may require in-person work noted in the job description.
• Opportunities to connect with other Tailscalars through company events, off-sites, and travel budgets.
• Support for professional development with annual funds for development and access to mentorship and growth opportunities.
• Paid time off and a healthy work-life balance, including parental leave programs.
• Assistance to set up a productive home office, including a company-owned laptop and internet reimbursement.