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Software Engineer, Networking (Dataplane)

Tailscale· Engineering
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Remote$163k - $226kfull-timePosted 5d ago

About the role

Software Engineer role on the Dataplane Engineering Team at Tailscale, focused on core client connectivity, networking features, security-centric architecture, and collaboration with product and open-source communities. Fully remote (US).

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, test, and document core Tailscale’s client-side networking software.
  • Advance product features by building upon or merging established industry network protocols with Tailscale's specific designs and frameworks.
  • Adopt a security-centric approach to both architecture and coding to guarantee the resilience and safety of networking modules.
  • Evaluate and optimize the performance, reliability, and scale of our software across a wide array of technical platforms and hardware.
  • Provide expert consultation and support the customer success teams with critical network escalations within key customer environments.
  • Engage actively with the open-source community and contribute to relevant projects.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience with networking software and diagnosing networking issues
  • Comprehensive grasp of networking engineering, such as routing, VPNs, IP address management, and NAT traversal
  • Proficiency in Go or other low-level languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust), including a strong grasp of concurrent programming and techniques for optimizing performance
  • Experience with large scale distributed systems is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of low-level OS network stacks is highly desirable
  • 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

Skills

Required:Networking software developmentNetworking engineering concepts (routing, VPNs, IPAM, NAT traversal)Go or low-level languages (C/C++, Rust)

Benefits

  • An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self
  • A competitive total compensation package (base salary, equity, variable commission for quota-based roles)
  • Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period (health, vision, dental, and more)
  • Remote first company with opportunities for in-person collaboration as needed
  • Employer-funded retirement contributions (match up to 0.75% of eligible compensation)
  • Connect with other Tailscalars IRL (annual retreat, team off-sites, cross-border collaboration)
  • Support for personal and professional development ($1500 USD annually)
  • Paid time off and flexible PTO program
  • Build-your-own home office setup (laptop, internet reimbursement, $500 for workstation)
  • Paid parental leave program (20 weeks birthing, 16 weeks non-birthing)
Last updated Sep 17, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Tailscale

Secure Connectivity for AI, IoT & Multi-Cloud

The connectivity platform for devs, IT, and security teams. Zero Trust identity-based access that deploys in minutes and scales to every resource.

SecurityNetworkingZero TrustIdentity-based accessMulti-Cloud
Company profileWebsite

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