Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic, the Search AI Company, enables everyone to find answers in real time using all their data at scale. The Elastic Search AI Platform is used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500.

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join the Elasticsearch - Search team. This globally-distributed team focuses on delivering a robust search experience, including improving search in Lucene. The role focuses on enhancing vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch, covering design and implementation of new vector search features, enhancements, and bug fixes.

• Lead initiatives to produce an industry-leading vector database offering.
• Contribute to Elasticsearch full time, building new search features and fixing bugs.
• Invent or implement new algorithms/data structures as needed.
• Work with a globally distributed team on vector search capabilities.
• Be an expert on Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation.
• Collaborate with community members on issues and pull requests.
• Write idiomatic modern Java (Elasticsearch is 99.8% Java).

• Implemented novel techniques in vector similarity on a search platform with a large user base or progressed academic research in vector similarity IR.
• Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, using HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms at scale.
• Strong skills in core Java and standard library data structures and concurrency constructs.
• High level of autonomy, able to guide projects from beginning to end.
• Comfortable developing collaboratively, giving and receiving feedback.
• Experience with data storage technologies like Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and teams.

The typical starting salary range for this role is €80,400—€127,200 EUR. This role does not have a variable compensation component.

• Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
• Flexible locations and schedules for many roles.
• Generous number of vacation days each year.
• Up to $2000 match for financial donations and service.
• Up to 40 hours each year for volunteer projects.
• Minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.

Apply via the job posting page. For accommodation requests, email candidate_accessibility@elastic.co.