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Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

Elastic· Platform - Elasticsearch
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Hybrid (Norway)NOK 949.5k - NOK 1502kfull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Principal Software Engineer focused on vector similarity search within Elasticsearch, contributing to vector search features, enhancements, and bug fixes. Part of a globally distributed team delivering robust search experiences and improving Lucene-based search capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with speed and relevance in search
  • Contribute to Elasticsearch by building new search features, fixing bugs, and sometimes inventing new algorithms or data structures
  • Work with a globally distributed team focused on vector search capabilities
  • Become an expert on how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity to support search relevance and drive improvements
  • Collaborate with community members on issues and pull requests, triaging or handing off tasks as needed
  • Write idiomatic modern Java (Elasticsearch is 99.8% Java)

Qualifications

  • Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, using HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms on search platforms at scale
  • Strong skills in core Java, standard library, data structures, concurrency, and Lambdas
  • Ability to work autonomously and guide projects from design to delivery
  • Experience collaborating across distributed teams and asynchronous collaboration is a plus
  • Experience with multiple data storage technologies (e.g., Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra) and understanding of their workings
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debugging complex systems, and optimizing code while owning outcomes
  • Ability to collaborate across functions and transition between projects, codebases, or teams based on priorities
  • Autonomous, capable of driving decisions and results in a distributed team via asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication

Skills

Required:Vector similarity / vector databasesJava
Nice to have:Distributed collaboration / asynchronous teamwork

Benefits

  • Competitive pay with flexible compensation philosophy
  • Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
  • Flexible locations and schedules for many roles
  • Generous vacation days
  • Employer match for charitable donations up to $2000 (local currency equivalent)
  • Up to 40 hours per year for volunteering
  • Parental leave minimum of 16 weeks
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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