Software Engineer, Networking – Dataplane

Tailscale

Software Engineer building secure client-side networking and dataplane software for Tailscale's connectivity platform. Improving connectivity, performance, reliability, and customer network integrations.

Posted 9/10/2026full-timeRemote • 🇨🇦 CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$218,420 - CA$302,840 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in networking software development, including proficiency in Go and low-level programming languages, while applying security-centric architecture and performance optimization techniques. Capable of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable network solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Networking Software DevelopmentProficiency In GoNetwork EngineeringPerformance Optimization TechniquesLarge-Scale Distributed Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Networking SoftwareRoutingVPNsIP Address ManagementNAT TraversalConcurrent ProgrammingPerformance OptimizationLow-Level OS Network StacksClient-Side Networking SoftwareArchitectural Insights

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationConstructive Feedback ProcessingIndependent WorkFlexibility

Industry Keywords

Client Connectivity FeaturesNetwork Infrastructure IntegrationsScalable Network SolutionsSecurity-Centric ArchitectureOpen-Source Community Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++Distributed SystemsGoRust

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Contribute to Tailscale's core client connectivity features
Evolve connectivity offerings between clients, subnet routers, exit nodes, and customer network infrastructure integrations
Provide architectural insights and resolve escalated customer network issues
Collaborate with product management and internal engineering to develop scalable, maintainable integrated network solutions
Design, build, test, and document client-side networking software
Advance product features using established industry network protocols and Tailscale-specific designs and frameworks
Apply security-centric architecture and coding practices to networking modules
Evaluate and optimize software performance, reliability, and scale across technical platforms and hardware
Provide expert consultation and support customer success teams with critical network escalations
Engage with the open-source community and contribute to relevant projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience with networking software and diagnosing networking issues
Comprehensive understanding of network engineering, including routing, VPNs, IP address management, and NAT traversal
Proficiency in Go or other low-level languages such as C/C++ or Rust
Strong understanding of concurrent programming and performance optimization techniques
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 and work independently
Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self
A competitive total compensation package including base salary and an equity incentive plan
Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period, including health and vision and dental coverage for you and your family
Remote-first work environment with flexible work arrangements
Virtual and in-person social events
Corporate co-working program through WeWork or similar spaces
Employer-funded retirement contributions matching employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum annual employer contribution equal to 0.75% of eligible compensation
Annual company retreat and team off-sites
$1500 USD annually for professional development
Mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities
Flexible paid time off program
Company-owned laptop (Mac or PC)
Monthly home internet reimbursement
$500 USD home office workstation customization allowance
Paid parental leave top-ups: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents