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Principal Software Developer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic· Platform - Elasticsearch
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Hybrid (Canada)CA$154k - CA$243.6kfull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Principal Software Developer role focused on enhancing the vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch, contributing to new vector search features, bug fixes, and design/implementation work, with a strong emphasis on performance and collaboration across a 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, building new search features and fixing bugs, including potential algorithm or data structure innovations.
  • Collaborate 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 in this area.
  • Engage with community members globally on issues and pull requests, triaging and handling tasks as needed.
  • Write idiomatic modern Java for Elasticsearch (primarily Java).

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; experience with algorithms such as HNSW, IVF, or similar on large-scale search platforms.
  • Strong core Java skills and familiarity with standard data structures, concurrency constructs, and Java features like lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously from design to delivery and lead projects, including cross-team collaboration.
  • Experience collaborating asynchronously and across distributed teams; strong communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Experience with data storage technologies (e.g., Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
  • Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debugging complex systems, and optimizing code while owning outcomes.
  • Ability to transition between different projects, codebases, or teams based on business priorities.
  • Ability to work autonomously, drive decisions, and deliver results in a distributed team using asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

Skills

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

Benefits

  • Stock program eligibility
  • Company-matched RRSP with dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6% of eligible earnings
  • Comprehensive health coverage in many locations
  • Flexible locations and schedules
  • Generous vacation days
  • Donation matching up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent)
  • Up to 40 volunteer hours per year
  • Parental leave minimum of 16 weeks
  • Diversity and inclusion-focused workplace environment
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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