Windows Engineer

About the company

Tailscale provides an identity-first, zero-trust networking service that uses WireGuard to create peer-to-peer encrypted meshes, integrating with identity providers to simplify NAT traversal and access control.

About this role

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>About Tailscale&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>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.</p></div><h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>About the Role</strong></span></h3> <p>We’re seeking a talented and motivated full-time Software Engineer to join our growing team. You will work as part of the engineering team to:</p> <ul> <li>Develop the Tailscale product, contributing to client code and backend services. The client code is a mix of C#, XAML, and Go. Prior Go expertise is not a requirement.&nbsp;</li> <li>Bring a special focus on our Windows platform, building and maintaining our Windows client using the modern WinUI/Windows App SDK stack, while contributing to common code that supports macOS, mobile, and other core client platforms.</li> </ul> <p>Because we’re an early-stage and fully remote company, we’re looking for a motivated individual who can help move the product forward. The ability to think on your feet, collaborate with highly technical teams, and comfort working asynchronously are essential.</p> <h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></span></h3> <ul> <li>Work with engineers on a native Windows desktop client using Windows App SDK, WinUI, C#, XAML and Go</li> <li>Implement support for the latest Windows platform features while maintaining compatibility with a subset of older versions</li> <li>Develop and optimize product features on Windows, with a focus on UI components and platform integration</li> <li>Develop and maintain unit and integration tests using Microsoft Testing Platform v2 and xUnit</li> <li>Contribute to common, cross-platform Tailscale code</li> </ul> <h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What We Are Looking For</strong></span></h3> <ul> <li>Four or more years of experience in software development</li> <li>Strong understanding of software development principles, capabilities, and limitations of the Windows platform</li> <li>Proficiency in C# and modern native UI frameworks (WinUI/UWP/WPF)</li> <li>Experience with general networking concepts - DNS, VPNs, IP Networking, routing, etc.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills</li> <li>Ability to give and process constructive feedback, as well as work independently</li> <li>Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup</li> </ul> <h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Nice to Have</strong></span></h3> <ul> <li>Experience with WinUI 3 and Windows App SDK</li> <li>Experience developing native Windows applications and services</li> <li>Familiarity with Windows networking stack and Windows Filtering Platform</li> <li>Familiarity with Windows security model, session isolation, access tokens and related concepts</li> <li>Proficiency in Go</li> </ul> <p>As a company, we strive to maintain fair and equitable compensation practices within our team across all roles and all levels. Tailscale's compensation package includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. The salary range displayed on each job posting represents the target range for a new hire's base salary. Individual offers may vary based on experience and skill set.</p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">CAN Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$191,620</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$239,860 CAD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><em data-stringify-type="italic">Frequently cited statistics show that people who identify with historically marginalized groups are likely to apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.&nbsp;</em><strong data-stringify-type="bold"><em data-stringify-type="italic">We encourage you to help us break that statistic!</em></strong></p> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self.</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>A competitive total compensation package.</strong> This includes a base salary, an equity incentive plan and variable commission (for quota-based roles).</li> <li><strong>Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period. </strong>Take advantage of coverage for health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family!</li> <li><strong>Remote first company</strong>—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.</li> <li><strong>Employer-funded retirement contributions. </strong>Tailscale will match your retirement contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum annual employer contribution equal to 0.75% of your eligible compensation.</li> <li><strong>Connect with other Tailscalars IRL. </strong>Attend our annual company retreat, participate in team off-sites, and collaborate in person with teammates across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. We support intentional in-person connection through team travel and distributed collaboration.<strong><br></strong></li> <li><strong>Support for your personal and professional development.</strong> Grow your ca