Principal Software Developer - Query Engine, Database Internals - Elasticsearch

About the Role

Elastic is seeking a Principal Software Developer to join the Elasticsearch Analytical Engine team. You will play a pivotal role in defining, directing, and building the next generation of analytics capabilities within Elasticsearch, specifically focusing on our new piped query language, ES|QL.

This is a high-impact, technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in database internals, query engine architecture, and distributed systems. You will work cross-functionally to shape the technical vision for user interfaces, language syntax, and compute infrastructure.

What You Will Be Doing

• Technical Leadership: Define and lead the development of data-intensive enhancements and strategic roadmaps for ES|QL.
• Research & Innovation: Stay at the forefront of data structures, algorithms, and industry trends to ensure our capabilities remain best-in-class.
• Collaboration: Partner with product teams and cross-functional stakeholders to align technical vision with customer needs.
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to expert engineers and serve as a subject matter expert for Elasticsearch internals.
• Development: Write idiomatic, modern Java to build fast, scalable, and intuitive software.

What You Bring

• Technical Expertise: Proven experience leading technical projects in data and enterprise architecture, with deep knowledge of sophisticated technical infrastructures.
• Language Proficiency: Strong skills in core Java, including concurrency constructs and modern features like lambdas.
• Domain Knowledge: Hands-on experience with search and analytics APIs (e.g., Elasticsearch, Splunk SPL, Datadog, New Relic) and data storage technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Strategic Vision: Ability to define long-term technical roadmaps and drive decisions in a distributed environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a supportive and empathetic approach to asynchronous collaboration.
• AI Proficiency: A track record of using AI to accelerate development and optimize complex systems.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary and stock program participation.
• Company-matched RRSP (up to 6% of eligible earnings).
• Flexible work environment with a focus on work-life balance.
• Generous vacation policy and volunteer time off (up to 40 hours/year).
• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• Parental leave (minimum 16 weeks).