Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

About the Role

Join Elastic, the Search AI Company, as a Principal Software Engineer focused on the Elasticsearch Search team. This role centers on enhancing vector similarity search capabilities within Elasticsearch and contributing to Lucene improvements. Working within a globally-distributed team of experts, you will design and implement innovative vector search features, resolve bugs, and improve the overall search experience across one of the industry's leading platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects to develop an industry-leading vector database for exceptional search speed and relevance.
• Develop and maintain new vector search features while debugging and simplifying complex codebases.
• Collaborate with international engineers specializing in vector search technologies within Elasticsearch.
• Become the team expert in vector similarity implementation and drive improvements based on technical insight.
• Provide community support by reviewing issues and pull requests, and facilitating expert involvement.
• Write clean, modern, and idiomatic Java code, as Elasticsearch is predominantly built on Java.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated experience designing or advancing vector similarity techniques on high-scale search platforms or in academic research.
• Hands-on expertise with vector databases and algorithms like HNSW or IVF used in search environments.
• Strong proficiency in core Java, including standard data structures, concurrency, and language features like lambdas.
• Capable of operating autonomously to manage projects end-to-end, from technical planning to implementation.
• Experienced in collaborative development, adept at giving and receiving constructive feedback, especially in distributed and asynchronous settings.
• Familiarity with various data storage systems such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on respectful and effective remote teamwork.
• Proven ability to leverage AI tools to accelerate software development, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and flexible in managing multiple projects or codebases aligned with business priorities.
• Self-driven with strong decision-making capabilities in distributed teams through transparent and direct communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience building with Elasticsearch.
• Contribution to open-source projects and familiarity with source control workflows and continuous integration systems.
• Additional experience with data persistence technologies.
• Leadership experience in designing and managing cross-functional initiatives.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive base salary ranging from €102,700 to €162,500 EUR annually without variable compensation components. Elastic values work-life balance provided through flexible scheduling, extensive vacation allowances, inclusive benefits such as health coverage, and parental leave policies. The company supports diversity, equity, and inclusion across all employment practices and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Security and Compliance

Responsibilities include ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability by complying with Elastic's Secure Software Development Framework and engaging in mandatory security and privacy training. Applicants from certain sanctioned countries may require export licenses as a condition of employment.

Equal Opportunity

Elastic promotes an inclusive culture and is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair treatment regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected categories. Requests for accommodation in the hiring process are welcomed and handled promptly.