Security Software Engineer

Tailscale

3d • $163,000 - $226,000 • Remote

About The Position

Tailscale is seeking a software engineer specializing in security and privacy to help grow its product security team. The role focuses on advancing Tailscale while making it safer to use. Success requires adaptability, collaboration with highly technical teams, and comfort working asynchronously. At least 50% of the role is spent writing software rather than on purely operational or governance security responsibilities.

Tailscale is a fully distributed company founded in 2019. It builds software that securely connects people and their devices, helping individuals and organizations protect networks and share access to internal tools.

Requirements

• Proficiency developing in at least one programming language; Tailscale uses Go.
• Proficiency developing for at least one application platform, such as iOS, Android, web, Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• Prior experience in a safety-related technical role, such as application or application-platform security, penetration testing, threat modeling and prioritization, user experience design or research, or digital forensics and incident response.
• Deep understanding of web application vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top 10, client-side security, and common API security flaws.
• Knowledge of cryptographic primitives and protocols.
• Knowledge of common networking protocols.
• Ability to give and process constructive feedback.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup.
• Ability to take a risk-based approach to security controls and balance security expertise and broad technical skills with practical, usable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Improve Tailscale’s security by identifying and implementing security and privacy features, bug fixes, and defense-in-depth measures across the codebase.
• Audit Tailscale features for technical security weaknesses, identify mitigations or solutions, and drive them toward resolution.
• Support engineering decisions with threat modeling, security analysis, and security expertise.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to promote secure coding practices and provide targeted security guidance and training.
• Spend at least 50% of working time writing software.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits.
• Health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and their families, with no waiting period.
• Employer-funded retirement contributions with a dollar-for-dollar match up to an annual employer contribution equal to 0.75% of eligible compensation.
• Annual professional development funding of $1,500 USD, plus access to mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities.
• Flexible paid time off.
• Company-owned laptop, monthly home internet reimbursement, and $500 USD to customize a home workstation.
• Paid parental leave top-ups: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents.
• Remote-first work environment, corporate co-working program, and virtual and in-person social events.
• Annual company retreat, team off-sites, and support for team travel and in-person collaboration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed