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Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic· Platform - Elasticsearch
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Hybrid (Distributed across regions where Elastic operates)$159.8k - $252.8kfull-timePosted 5mo ago

About the role

Principal Software Engineer role focused on enhancing vector similarity search within Elasticsearch, including design and implementation of new vector search features, improvements to existing functionality, and bug resolution for a globally distributed team.

Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with fast and relevant search.
  • Contribute to Elasticsearch full-time by building new search features and fixing bugs, potentially inventing new algorithms or data structures and working close to OS and hardware.
  • Collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers focusing on vector search capabilities.
  • Become an expert on how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity to support search relevance and drive improvements.
  • Work with community members on issues and pull requests, triaging or handling them as needed.
  • Write idiomatic modern Java; align with Elasticsearch's codebase.

Qualifications

  • Implemented novel techniques in vector similarity on a search platform with a large user base or contributed to academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.
  • Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases; used HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms on large-scale search platforms.
  • Strong skills in core Java; proficient in data structures, concurrency, and Java features like lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously, guide projects from design to completion, and collaborate effectively with engineers.
  • Experience with collaborating over the internet (asynchronous collaboration preferred).
  • Familiarity with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
  • Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code while owning outcomes.
  • Ability to collaborate across functions and transition between projects or teams as priorities change.
  • Ability to drive decisions and results in a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

Skills

Required:Vector similarity algorithmsJavaDistributed teamwork / asynchronous collaboration
Nice to have:AI-assisted development

Benefits

  • Stock program eligibility
  • Company-matched 401k with dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6% of eligible earnings
  • Flexible benefits package focused on employee well-being
  • Competitive pay based on work performed, with regionally adjusted ranges
  • Health coverage for employee and family in many locations
  • Generous vacation days
  • Volunteer time allotment (up to 40 hours per year)
  • Parental leave (minimum 16 weeks)
Last updated Jul 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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Power insights and outcomes with The Elastic Search AI Platform. See into your data and find answers that matter with enterprise solutions designed to help you accelerate time to insight.

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