Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

OverviewAs a Principal Software Engineer on the Elasticsearch - Search team, you drive the vector search capabilities that power fast, relevance-driven results.You will design and implement new vector features, improve existing functionality, and resolve complex bugs within a globally distributed team.You’ll work closely with engineers, contribute to performance and scalability, and influence the direction of vector search in Elasticsearch.This is a high-impact role that combines algorithmic innovation with practical systems work.Compensaciones / Beneficioscompetitive payhealth coverageflexible locations and schedulesgenerous vacation daysdonation matchingvolunteer hoursResponsabilidadesLead initiatives to deliver a leading vector database experience with fast, relevant searchContribute to Elasticsearch features and bug fixes, designing new algorithms or data structures when neededCollaborate with a globally distributed team focused on vector search capabilitiesServe as a subject-matter expert on vector similarity in Elasticsearch and support the wider teamTriage and handle community issues and pull requests, sometimes independentlyWrite idiomatic Java focused on performance and maintainabilityRequisitos principalesExperience with vector similarity and vector databases; hands-on use of HNSW, IVF, or similar algorithms at scaleStrong Java skills and familiarity with standard data structures, concurrency, and modern features like lambdasAbility to own projects end-to-end, from technical design to collaboration with engineersExperience with distributed collaboration and asynchronous communicationExperience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or CassandraExcellent verbal and written communication; collaborative and respectful working styleProven track record of using AI to accelerate development and optimize code, while owning outcomesAbility to navigate multiple projects and teams based on prioritiescollaborativeautonomousstrong communicationvector similarityvector databasesHNSW

Requisitos principalesExperience with vector similarity and vector databases; hands-on use of HNSW, IVF, or similar algorithms at scale Strong Java skills and familiarity with standard data structures, concurrency, and modern features like lambdas Ability to own projects end-to-end, from technical design to collaboration with engineers Experience with distributed collaboration and asynchronous communication Experience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra Excellent verbal and written communication; collaborative and respectful working style Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development and optimize code, while owning outcomes Ability to navigate multiple projects and teams based on priorities collaborative autonomous strong communication vector similarity vector databases HNSW