Security Software Engineer

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 talented software engineer, specializing in security and

privacy, to help grow our product security team. We’re looking for people who

can move Tailscale forward while making it safer to use. The abilities to think

on your feet, collaborate with highly technical teams, and be comfortable

working asynchronously are essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Improve the security properties of Tailscale by identifying opportunities for

security and privacy features, bug fixes, and defense-in-depth, and

implementing them across our codebase.

* Audit Tailscale features for technical security weaknesses, identifying

mitigations or solutions, and driving them towards resolution.

* Support engineering decisions with threat modeling and security analysis and

expertise.

* You will spend at least 50% of your time in this role writing software vs

purely operational or governance security responsibilities.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Technical

* Proficiency developing in at least one programming language (Tailscale uses

Go)

* Proficiency developing for at least one application platform (e.g. iOS,

Android, web, Windows, macOS, Linux)

* Prior experience in a safety-related technical role, e.g.:

* application security or application platform security

* penetration testing

* threat modeling and prioritization

* user experience design or research

* digital forensics and incident response

* Deep understanding of web application vulnerabilities (e.g., OWASP Top 10),

client-side security, and common API security flaws

* Collaborate with engineering teams to promote secure coding practices and

provide targeted security guidance and training

* Knowledge of cryptographic primitives and protocols

* Knowledge of common networking protocols

Team Fit

* Ability to give and process constructive feedback

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively

* Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup

* Take a risk-based approach to building security controls, balancing your

security expertise and broad technical skillsets with practical, usable

solutions

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

[https://tailscale.com/scam-awareness].