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# Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms

- **Company:** Elastic
- **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, United States
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Apache Lucene, Cyber Security, Databases, Continuous Integration, Data Security, Data Structures, Software Debugging, Elasticsearch, Search Algorithms, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Search Technologies, Software Engineering, Apache Solr, Unstructured Data, Data Storage Technologies, HNSW (Hierarchical Navigable Small World), Cassandra, Free and Open-Source Software, Codebase, Software Version Control
- **Published:** October 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-software-engineer-search-algorithms-los-angeles-ca--de1df081-7445-4780-a059-4331447aae74

## About the Role

Software Engineering, Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch, Unstructured Data, Fortune 500 Customers, Order Delivery, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Structured Data, * Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, and you used HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries on search platforms at scale.

 * You have strong skills in core Java and are conversant in the standard library of data structures and concurrency constructs, as well as other features like lambdas.

 * You work with a high level of autonomy, and are able to take on projects and guide them from beginning to end. This covers both technical design and working with other engineers to develop needed components.

 * Youre comfortable developing collaboratively. Giving and receiving feedback on code and approaches and APIs is hard! Bonus points if youve collaborated over the internet because thats harder. Double bonus points for asynchronous collaboration over the internet. Thats even harder, but we do it anyway because its the best way we know how to build software.

 * Youve used several data storage technologies like Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra and have some idea how they work and why they work that way.

 * You have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Like we said, collaborating on the internet is hard. We try to be respectful, empathetic, and trusting in all of our interactions. And wed expect that from you too.

 * You have a proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code, while still owning the final outcomes.

 * You possess the ability to collaborate across functions and teams and seamlessly transition between different projects, codebases, or teams based on business priorities

 * You work autonomously and can drive decisions and results in a distributed team by leveraging asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication

BONUS POINTS

 * Youve built things with Elasticsearch before.

 * Youve worked with open source projects and are familiar with different styles of source control workflow and continuous integration.

 * Experience with data storage technology.

 * You have experience designing, leading and owning cross-functional initiatives

## Description

Were looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join the Elasticsearch - Search team. This globally-distributed team of expert engineers focuses on delivering a robust and feature-rich search experience, including contributing to improving the search experience in Lucene. This is a principal software engineering role that focuses on enhancing the vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch, covering the design and implementation of new vector search features, enhancements to existing vector search functionality, and resolving bugs., * Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering, supplying unparalleled speed and relevance in search.

 * Contribute to Elasticsearch full time, building new search features and fixing intriguing bugs, all while making the code easier to understand. Sometimes youll need to invent a new algorithm or data structure. Or find one and implement it. Sometimes youll need to get close to the operating system and hardware.

 * Work with a globally distributed team of experienced engineers focused on the vector search capabilities of Elasticsearch.

 * Be an expert on how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity in support of search relevance and everyone will turn to you when they have a question about this area. Youll improve this area based on your questions and your instincts.

 * Work with community members from all over the world on issues and pull requests, sometimes triaging them and handing them off to other experts and sometimes handling them yourself.

 * Write idiomatic modern Java -- Elasticsearch is 99.8% Java