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Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

Elastic· Platform - Elasticsearch
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Hybrid (Poland)PLN 369.4k - PLN 584.3kfull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Principal Software Engineer focused on vector similarity search features within Elasticsearch, contributing to improving the vector search experience and related algorithms, collaborating with a globally distributed team, and implementing new features, enhancements, and bug fixes.

Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering, supplying speed and relevance in search.
  • Contribute to Elasticsearch full time, building new search features and fixing bugs, potentially designing new algorithms or data structures.
  • Work with a globally distributed team focused on vector search capabilities of Elasticsearch.
  • Be an expert on how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity to support search relevance and drive improvements.
  • Collaborate with community members on issues and pull requests, sometimes triaging or handling them directly.
  • Write idiomatic modern Java; Elasticsearch is 99.8% Java.

Qualifications

  • Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases; use of HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms on search platforms at scale.
  • Strong skills in core Java and standard library data structures and concurrency; experience with lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously, guide projects from conception to completion, including technical design and cross-team collaboration.
  • Experience developing collaboratively and asynchronously across the internet; open-source collaboration is a bonus.
  • Experience with data storage technologies like Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; collaborative and respectful interpersonal 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 as priorities shift.
  • Autonomous worker who drives decisions and results in a distributed team using asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

Skills

Required:Vector similarity and vector databasesJavaAlgorithms and data structuresCollaboration and communication
Nice to have:Open source / community collaborationData storage technologies

Benefits

  • Competitive pay and health coverage for you and your family in many locations
  • Flexible calendar with location and schedule flexibility for many roles
  • Generous vacation days
  • Employer matching of up to $2000 for financial donations and service
  • Up to 40 hours per year toward volunteer projects
  • Parental leave minimum of 16 weeks
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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