Lead Backend Software Engineer (go)

Lead Backend Software Engineer (Go)

Join Surfshark's VPN Engineering team as a Lead Back-end Engineer and take the lead on shaping our microVM-based platform. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of Linux internals, Go services, and secure virtualization, driving core architecture decisions, tackling cutting-edge networking challenges, and owning the evolution of our platform. With a small team and big ownership, your impact will be direct and have a visible impact on the platform's evolution.

If you want to:

• Lead the design and implementation of immutable Linux-based microVM images;
• Build, maintain, and optimize Go services running inside those images (networking agents, metrics pipelines, lifecycle daemons);
• Own tooling for image build, signing, verification, and rollout automation;
• Define standards for security, resource efficiency, and observability inside microVMs;
• Mentor engineers, review code, and contribute to engineering best practices;
• Collaborate cross-functionally with platform and SRE teams to ensure smooth deployments.

And you can check off:

• Proven experience in backend development with Go;
• Deep knowledge of Linux internals (network stack, namespaces, cgroups, nftables/iproute2);
• Hands-on experience with KVM/QEMU or other virtualization/hypervisor technologies;
• Proven track record of building and shipping production systems with performance and reliability requirements;
• Familiarity with supply-chain security (image signing, SBOMs, artifact verification);
• Experience leading small teams or projects, ability to mentor and set technical direction.

Bonus points if you:

• Have experience with kernel modules, eBPF, or custom Linux distributions.

Here's the deal:

• Growth and learning opportunities: time dedicated to learning, conferences, online learning platforms, and books for your professional development;
• Health and wellness: we want you to feel and be your best. That's why we offer various benefits, from online workouts, a physical coach and a gym to regular mental health checks;
• Tools of your choice: choose technical equipment and the tools you need to do your best;
• Community and celebrations: get ready for long-lasting traditions such as yearly workation, Friday get-togethers, various team buildings and company celebrations;
• Convenient commuting: traveling from point A to point B can be a pain. That's why, depending on your unique circumstances, we compensate part of your public transport costs;
• Work-life balance: We encourage working in the office, with the possibility of up to two remote days per week. Plus, with our WFA policy, you can work from almost anywhere in the world;
• Premium Surfshark accounts: for you, your family, and friends;
• Gross salary: 3500 - 7500 Eur/month for the Lithuanian market. It may vary depending on your skills, experience, or location.