Go Core Client Engineer

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 hiring a Go Core Client Engineer. This remote role is for an engineer who will design, implement, and operate the Go-based shared client code that powers our product. You’ll work on core client subsystems: connection management, NAT traversal, control connection, encrypted transport, client lifecycle, and cross‑platform runtime. You will be expected to ship end‑to‑end features, and improve reliability, performance, and observability.

• Design, implement, test, and maintain core client features in Go: connection orchestration, reconnection strategies, NAT traversal, encrypted transport lifecycle, and sync logic.
• Ship end‑to‑end client work: design, implementation, launch, and observability (metrics, logs, traces).
• Diagnose and reduce client performance and reliability issues.
• Collaborate closely with product, per‑platform clients, and platform teams.
• Champion engineering excellence by driving code quality, architectural reviews, and design documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers, fostering a culture of learning and knowledge sharing.

• Strong production experience writing and shipping Go code (experience with Go is required).
• Experience operating large Go codebases and designing robust client or distributed systems.
• Startup mindset: flexibility to adjust to changing priorities and thrive in an async, remote environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication and the ability to collaborate across product and engineering stakeholders.

• Experience with concurrency, performance tuning, and debugging.
• Solid networking and systems fundamentals: IP, routing, NATs, TCP/UDP, and TLS.
• Experience with P2P, Wire Guard or similar encrypted transports and NAT traversal techniques.

• 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.
• 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, and the United Kingdom. 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 $1000 USD to customise your workstation to make it your own.
• Gen…