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Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic· Platform - Elasticsearch
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Hybrid (Remote / Flexible)full-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

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

Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with speed and relevance in search.
  • Contribute to Elasticsearch full time, building new search features and fixing bugs, potentially inventing new algorithms or data structures and working close to OS/hardware.
  • Work with a globally distributed team focused on vector search capabilities of Elasticsearch.
  • Be an expert on Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation to support search relevance and drive improvements.
  • Collaborate with community members worldwide on issues and pull requests, triaging or handling them as needed.
  • Write idiomatic modern Java — Elasticsearch is 99.8% 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; familiarity with HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms on large-scale search platforms.
  • Strong core Java skills and knowledge of standard data structures, concurrency, and features like lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously from design to delivery, including technical design and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Experience collaborating asynchronously over the internet; comfortable with distributed teamwork.
  • Experience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; collaborative and respectful working style.
  • 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, codebases, or teams based on priorities.
  • Autonomous with decision-making in a distributed team via asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

Skills

Required:Vector similarity / vector databasesJavaDistributed collaboration / asynchronous teamwork

Benefits

  • Competitive pay based on work performed; comprehensive but not specified in detail by region.
  • Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
  • Flexible locations and schedules for many roles.
  • Generous number of vacation days per year.
  • Company matches up to $2000 for donations and service (local currency equivalent).
  • Up to 40 hours per year for volunteer projects.
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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