Backend Engineer, Control Plane

Tailscale

. Develop the Tailscale product, contributing to open source client code and related backend services .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeRemote • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £128,770 - £178,540 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in developing distributed systems using the Go programming language, with a strong focus on system efficiency, scalability, and security. Capable of managing the entire product lifecycle while collaborating effectively with UX/UI designers and product managers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Go Programming LanguageDistributed SystemsSQL DatabasesNetworkingSystem Efficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Distributed SystemsGo Programming LanguageSQL DatabasesSystem EfficiencyScalabilitySecurity-First Mindset

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsConstructive Feedback ProcessingIndependenceFlexibility

Tools & Technologies

Observability ToolsIncident Response Tools

Industry Keywords

Product LifecycleUX/UI CollaborationCustomer SupportBackend Services

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed SystemsOpen SourceSQLGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop the Tailscale product, contributing to open source client code and related backend services
Own the entire product lifecycle, from writing code to product ideation and strategic decision-making
Work with UX/UI designers and product managers to shape features
Design, build, test, and document core software components
Develop features across the control plane, relay infrastructure, and identity integrations
Build observability into running services, participate in incident response, and handle customer support escalations
Analyze and improve system efficiency, scalability, and stability
Apply a security-first mindset to design and implementation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience with distributed systems
Experience with the Go programming language
Experience with one or more SQL databases
Familiarity with networking, including IP addressing and routing
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

Base salary, equity incentive plan, and variable commission for quota-based roles
Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period, including health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and families
Flexible remote-first work environment
Virtual and in-person social events
Corporate co-working program
Employer-funded retirement contributions matching employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to 0.75% of eligible compensation annually
Annual company retreat and team off-sites
$1,500 USD annually for professional development
Mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities
Flexible paid time off
Company-owned laptop (Mac or PC)
Monthly home internet reimbursement
$500 USD workstation customization allowance
Paid parental leave top-ups: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents