Engineering Manager, Security
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High-value position leading the security team in a cutting-edge tech environment. Competitive salary range and emphasis on professional development mark this role as attractive for seasoned managers.
- Salary range: $254,600 - $344,380 CAD
- Leadership role in security within an innovative startup
- Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development
Pros
- Strong compensation ($254,600 - $344,380 CAD) and significant equity options
- Leadership opportunity in a fast-growing company
- Focus on professional development and team culture
Cons
- Requires proven leadership in security, setting high expectations
- Need to adapt to rapid changes in tech and market demands
- Can involve high-stress situations due to security incidents
Who it's for
Management • Remote
Good fit
- Security team leaders
- Management professionals with a passion for tech
- Candidates wanting to shape compliance in a startup
Not recommended for
- New managers without relevant experience
- Those seeking a traditional corporate setting
- Individuals uncomfortable with ambiguity and rapid change
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
About Tailscale
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.
Job Description
We’re seeking a talented and motivated full-time Engineering Manager to lead our Security team.
You will lead the high performing and multi-disciplinary Security team, responsible for Product Security, Detection & Response, Compliance & Trust, and IT. In this role, you will:
- Support secure application development processes, by representing product security concerns early in the software development process
- Manage our detection and response function and risk management program
- Lead Compliance & Trust activities at Tailscale, setting a compliance roadmap that aligns with our business priorities and technical roadmap
- Oversee corporate IT
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and career development for a team of security engineers
- Provide technical direction in projects as needed, as well as growing the technical leadership capabilities of the engineers reporting to you
- Help in growing the organization: interviewing and recruiting, guiding the evolution of the security team, developing processes as we grow
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Experience as a people manager: we are not yet at a size and level of maturity as an engineering org to provide the training and support for someone new in the management role
- Collaborate with peers in Product Engineering to maintain rigorous security standards
- Partner with Legal and Go To Market partners to maintain and expand our compliance and trust program
- Lead security incident response processes, development and procurement of security tooling. Track security risks and partner with the VP of Eng to maintain a risk management program in consultation with executive management.
- Manage internal and third party IT functions
- Help your team to improve their performance, the quality of their work; make major design decisions
- Hire, nurture, and oversee a team of engineers while fostering an atmosphere of psychological well-being, embracing diversity and promoting inclusion
- Manage healthy conflict by moderating design discussions and cultivating a positive culture of feedback with candor and kindness
- Drive planning across multiple time horizons, from immediate tactical needs to long-term strategic direction
What We Are Looking For
- Demonstrated leadership with substantial experience in managing and mentoring Security teams, including performance evaluations, career development, and fostering a collaborative work environment
- Ideal candidates will have deep experience in Product Security, and a broad background in other security disciplines (Detection & Response, Compliance, etc)
- Ability to give and process constructive feedback, as well as work independently
- Flexibility to adjust to the dynamic nature of a startup
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.
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. We encourage you to help us break that statistic!
What We Offer
- An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self. 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.
- A competitive total compensation package. This includes a base salary, an equity incentive plan and variable commission (for quota-based roles).
- Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period. Take advantage of coverage for health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family!
- All-remote with the opportunity to work from anywhere—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).
- Connect with other Tailscalars IRL. Attend our annual company retreat, participate in team/department off-sites, or use your individual travel budget to meet up with team members in Canada, the US, or the UK.
- Support for your personal and professional development. Grow your career thoughtfully with $1500 USD annually for professional development, or take advantage of mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities.
- Paid time off and a healthy work-life integration. Our flexible, paid time off program supports you for any situation life throws your way, whether moving homes or travelling the world! We encourage all Tailscalars to take 4-6 weeks of vacation annually.
- A build-your-own home office setup. You choose your own company-owned laptop (Mac or PC), receive a monthly home internet reimbursement, and $1000 USD to customize your workstation to make it your own.
- Generous parental leave program from your first day. We care about your life outside of work and encourage new parents to take advantage of parental leave top-ups for up to 26 weeks.
