Software Engineer, Identity

As a Software Engineer at Tailscale, you will take on key responsibilities such as designing, building, testing, and documenting core networking software components. You will also develop and optimize features in areas like our control plane and relay infrastructure while diagnosing and resolving complex networking issues.

Candidates applying for the Software Engineer position at Tailscale should have significant experience with networking software and a deep understanding of networking concepts, including IP addressing, routing, and VPN technologies. Familiarity with distributed systems and experience with SQL databases are also essential.

At Tailscale, we take professional development seriously. Software Engineers can benefit from an annual budget of $1500 for educational opportunities, mentorship programs, internal promotion paths, and coaching to help grow their careers thoughtfully.

Tailscale offers a fully remote work environment where Software Engineers can work from anywhere. We embrace flexibility, allowing team members to integrate their work and life and encouraging participation in virtual and in-person events to foster team connections.

Tailscale provides a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary ranging from $181,000 to $226,000 USD, equity incentives, and comprehensive benefits covering health, vision, and dental without waiting periods.

In answering this question, provide specific examples of projects you’ve worked on, including technologies used, your role in analyzing and resolving networking issues, and any successes or learning experiences that highlight your expertise in networking software.

You could mention specific blogs, communities, or conferences you follow, along with any training or coursework you’ve pursued. Emphasize your enthusiasm for ongoing learning and how it has benefited your work.

Share a situation where you faced a complex networking challenge. Focus on your thought process in troubleshooting, the steps you took to identify and correct the issue, and the impact it had on the project or team.

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using frameworks (like Agile), project management tools, and techniques for balancing team needs, deadlines, and quality. Offer examples to illustrate your effectiveness.

Provide a clear explanation of NAT traversal, the challenges it presents in networking environments, and how you've implemented solutions that utilize NAT traversal to enhance connectivity in your past projects.

Discuss your approach to incorporating security into every stage of product development. Mention any specific frameworks, protocols, or best practices you follow to ensure robust security in networking components.

Share an experience where you worked closely with designers or product managers to develop a feature. Focus on communication strategies, how you incorporated feedback, and the results achieved.

Clarify the concept of observability and its significance in networking services. Provide examples of how you've implemented observability features and how they aided in troubleshooting and performance monitoring.

Reflect on your experiences working with SQL databases, focusing on types of databases used, query optimization techniques, and how your database management skills have contributed to the development of networking features.

Highlight your preference for the fast-paced and flexible nature of startups. Discuss how this environment aligns with your career goals and passion for innovation, along with any personal experiences that reinforce your commitment.