Principal Software Engineer - Query Engine, Database Internals - Elasticsearch

About the Role

Elastic is seeking a Principal Software Engineer 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 compute engine and the ES|QL query language.

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

What You Will Be Doing

• Technical Leadership: Define and drive the strategic roadmap for ES|QL and the compute engine.
• Development: Lead the development of data-intensive enhancements, researching cutting-edge algorithms and data structures.
• Collaboration: Work closely with product teams, UX designers, and partner engineering teams to build solutions for Search, Security, and Observability.
• Mentorship: Provide technical and professional guidance to expert engineers.
• Innovation: Utilize AI to accelerate development and optimize complex systems while maintaining high standards for code quality.

What You Bring

• Proven experience leading technical projects in data and enterprise architecture.
• Strong proficiency in core Java, including concurrency constructs and modern features.
• Hands-on experience with search and analytics APIs (e.g., Elasticsearch, Splunk SPL, Datadog).
• Deep understanding of data storage technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Solr).
• Ability to work autonomously in a distributed environment using asynchronous communication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an empathetic, supportive approach.

Bonus Points

• Prior experience building with Elasticsearch or working in the information retrieval space.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects and familiarity with various CI/CD workflows.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary and stock program participation.
• 401k matching up to 6%.
• Flexible work schedules and locations.
• Generous annual vacation time.
• 16+ weeks of parental leave.
• Donation matching and volunteer time off.