Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

📋 Description

• Lead initiatives to produce an industry-leading vector database offering in Elasticsearch.
• Build new search features and fix bugs; may invent new algorithms or data structures.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team focused on vector search capabilities.
• Improve vector similarity implementations to support search relevance.
• Engage with community members on issues and PRs; triage and hand off work as needed.
• Write idiomatic modern Java; Elasticsearch is 99.8% Java.

🎯 Requirements

• Experience with vector similarity and vector databases; familiarity with HNSW, IVF, or similar
• Strong core Java skills and knowledge of standard data structures and concurrency; familiarity with
• Autonomous; able to own projects from design to delivery in a distributed team.
• Excellent communication; capable of collaborating asynchronously across the internet.
• Experience with storage technologies like Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, drive cross-functional initiatives, and own outcomes.

🎁 Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive health coverage in many locations.
• Flexible locations and schedules for many roles; generous vacation days.
• Social impact support: donation matching up to 2000 local currency equivalent and volunteer hours.
• Parental leave and inclusive, diverse work environment.