Principal Software Engineer – Vector Search (Elasticsearch)

About the role

Elastic is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join the globally‑distributed Elasticsearch Search team. The role focuses on advancing vector similarity search, designing new features, enhancing existing functionality, and fixing bugs across the Elasticsearch codebase.

Key responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to build an industry‑leading vector database offering with unmatched speed and relevance.
• Design, implement, and ship new vector search algorithms and data structures, sometimes working close to the operating system and hardware.
• Collaborate with a distributed team of engineers on vector search capabilities and serve as the go‑to expert for Elasticsearch’s vector similarity implementation.
• Engage with the open‑source community, triage pull requests, and contribute high‑quality code reviews.
• Write idiomatic modern Java, maintaining the 99.8% Java codebase of Elasticsearch.

Required profile

• Professional experience with vector similarity, vector databases, and algorithms such as HNSW or IVF at scale.
• Strong core Java skills, including concurrency constructs, data structures, and lambda expressions.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, drive projects from design through delivery, and collaborate effectively across time zones.
• Experience with multiple data storage technologies (e.g., Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for asynchronous, global collaboration.

Required skills

• Java
• Vector similarity
• HNSW
• IVF
• Elasticsearch
• Solr
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB
• Cassandra

What we offer

• Competitive base salary with transparent compensation philosophy.
• Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
• Flexible work locations and schedules.
• Generous vacation allowance and parental leave of at least 16 weeks.
• Matching donations up to $2,000 and up to 40 hours per year for volunteer projects.