Security Software Engineer

Tailscale

. Identify opportunities for security and privacy features, bug fixes, and defense-in-depth improvements across Tailscale’s codebase .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeRemote • United States, CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 $163,000 - $226,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates proficiency in Go programming and application security, with a strong focus on identifying and mitigating web application vulnerabilities. Capable of collaborating with engineering teams to implement secure coding practices and drive security improvements across the codebase.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Go ProgrammingApplication SecurityThreat ModelingWeb Application VulnerabilitiesCryptographic Protocols

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proficiency In ProgrammingWeb Application SecurityAPI Security FlawsNetworking ProtocolsSecurity AnalysisBug FixingDefense-In-Depth ImprovementsTechnical Security AuditingUser Experience DesignDigital Forensics

Soft Skills

Constructive FeedbackIndependent WorkCollaborative WorkFlexibilityRisk-Based Approach

Industry Keywords

OWASP Top 10Client-Side SecuritySecurity GuidanceSecure Coding PracticesStartup Environment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AndroidiOSLinuxMacOSGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify opportunities for security and privacy features, bug fixes, and defense-in-depth improvements across Tailscale’s codebase
Implement security and privacy improvements across the codebase
Audit Tailscale features for technical security weaknesses
Identify mitigations or solutions and drive weaknesses toward resolution
Support engineering decisions with threat modeling, security analysis, and expertise
Spend at least 50% of the time writing software rather than handling purely operational or governance security responsibilities
Collaborate with engineering teams to promote secure coding practices and provide targeted security guidance and training

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proficiency developing in at least one programming language; Tailscale uses Go
Proficiency developing for at least one application platform, such as iOS, Android, web, Windows, macOS, or Linux
Prior experience in a safety-related technical role, such as application security, application platform security, penetration testing, threat modeling and prioritization, user experience design or research, or digital forensics and incident response
Deep understanding of web application vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top 10
Knowledge of client-side security and common API security flaws
Knowledge of cryptographic primitives and protocols
Knowledge of common networking protocols
Ability to give and process constructive feedback
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup
Risk-based approach to building security controls and balancing security expertise with practical, usable solutions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity incentive plan
Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits with no waiting period
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 annual professional development budget
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