Principal Software Developer - Security - Elasticsearch

About the Role

Elastic is seeking a Principal Software Developer to join the Elasticsearch Security team. You will lead the architecture and design of core security features, including authentication, authorization, and tenant isolation, ensuring high-performance security for our distributed data store at scale.

What You Will Be Doing

• Technical Leadership: Own core security initiatives from architecture to production, leading the design and execution of major security components.
• System Design: Develop foundational security models and optimize security performance in distributed systems.
• Security Engineering: Apply cryptographic solutions, ensure robust data isolation, and stay current with advancements in identity management and data access.
• Collaboration: Partner with the InfoSec team to drive vulnerability management, utilizing AI-driven tools for automated triage and investigation.
• Mentorship: Coach and mentor engineers to foster a culture of technical excellence and security-first development.

What You Bring

• Java Expertise: Deep knowledge of Java internals, JVM memory management, and high-performance, thread-safe, lock-free programming.
• Authorization Systems: Proven experience designing scalable RBAC/ABAC models, token validation pipelines, and distributed cache invalidation.
• Distributed Security: Solid comprehension of node-to-node mutual trust, zero-trust transport, and cluster state propagation.
• Identity Protocols: Deep knowledge of OAuth 2.0 and SAML.
• AI Proficiency: Track record of using AI to accelerate development and debug complex systems.
• Autonomy: Ability to drive decisions and lead distributed teams using asynchronous communication.

Bonus Points

• Knowledge of TLS, PKI, and certificate lifecycle management.
• Experience with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) readiness.
• Familiarity with FedRAMP, FIPS 140, and SOC 2 requirements.
• Experience working on the internals of a data store or search engine.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with stock program eligibility.
• Company-matched RRSP (up to 6%).
• Flexible locations and schedules.
• Generous vacation policy and 16+ weeks of parental leave.
• Donation matching and volunteer time off.