Principal Software Developer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

About the Role

Elastic is looking for a Principal Software Developer to join our globally-distributed Elasticsearch Search team. This role focuses on enhancing vector similarity search functionality, including the design and implementation of new features, performance optimizations, and resolving complex bugs within the Elasticsearch and Lucene ecosystems.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead initiatives to build an industry-leading vector database offering with unparalleled speed and relevance.
• Contribute to the Elasticsearch codebase (99.8% Java), including inventing or implementing new algorithms and data structures.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on vector similarity and search relevance.
• Collaborate with a distributed team and the open-source community via GitHub, Slack, and Zoom.
• Triage and resolve issues and pull requests from community contributors.
• Work closely with hardware and OS-level constraints to optimize search performance.

What You Bring Along

• Professional experience with vector similarity, vector databases, and algorithms like HNSW or IVF.
• Strong expertise in core Java, including data structures, concurrency, and modern language features.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, driving technical design and cross-functional initiatives from start to finish.
• Experience collaborating asynchronously across distributed teams.
• Familiarity with data storage technologies (e.g., Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an empathetic, collaborative mindset.
• Track record of using AI to accelerate development and debug complex systems.

Bonus Points

• Prior experience building with Elasticsearch.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects.
• Background in designing and leading cross-functional technical initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and stock program eligibility.
• Company-matched RRSP (up to 6%).
• Flexible work locations and schedules.
• Generous annual vacation time.
• Financial donation matching (up to $2,000) and 40 hours of volunteer time off.
• Minimum 16 weeks of parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage.