Security Software Engineer

About this role

Build and improve security and privacy features across Tailscale’s codebase. The role combines hands-on software development with security audits, threat modeling, and guidance for engineering teams.

About the company

Tailscale builds a zero-config mesh VPN on WireGuard so teams can securely connect devices, servers, and cloud resources without traditional VPN complexity.

The team

Product security team

Stack

What you'll do

• Implement security and privacy features, fixes, and defense-in-depth improvements
• Audit product features for security weaknesses and drive mitigations to resolution
• Support engineering decisions with threat modeling and security analysis
• Spend at least half of the role writing software

What we're looking for

• Proficiency in at least one programming language and application platform
• Experience in a safety-related technical role, such as application security, penetration testing, threat modeling, UX research, or incident response
• Understanding of web application vulnerabilities, client-side security, and API security flaws
• Knowledge of cryptographic primitives and protocols, and common networking protocols
• Ability to collaborate with engineering teams on secure coding practices
• Work independently and collaboratively, give and receive constructive feedback, and adapt to a startup environment

Nice to have

• Experience with Go

Benefits

• Equity incentive plan
• Health, vision, and dental coverage
• Employer retirement contributions matching up to 0.75% of eligible compensation
• Flexible paid time off
• Paid parental leave: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Remote-work support, including coworking access, home internet reimbursement, and a $500 workstation budget
• $1,500 annual professional development budget