Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

About the Role

Elastic is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our globally-distributed Elasticsearch Search team. You will focus on enhancing vector similarity search functionality, designing new features, and optimizing performance within the Elasticsearch platform.

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.
• Collaborate with a distributed team of experts to solve complex search challenges and improve code maintainability.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on vector similarity and search relevance.
• Engage with the global open-source community by triaging issues and reviewing pull requests.
• Optimize performance by working close to the operating system and hardware levels.

What You Bring Along

• Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases (HNSW, IVF, or similar).
• Strong expertise in core Java, including data structures, concurrency, and modern language features.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, driving technical design and cross-functional projects from inception to completion.
• Experience with collaborative, asynchronous development (GitHub, Slack, Zoom).
• Familiarity with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an empathetic, collaborative mindset.
• A track record of using AI to accelerate development and debug complex systems.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay with stock program eligibility.
• Company-matched 401k (up to 6%).
• Flexible work locations and schedules.
• Generous annual vacation policy.
• Financial donation matching (up to $2,000) and 40 hours of volunteer time off.
• Minimum 16 weeks of parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.