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Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic· Platform - Elasticsearch
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Hybrid (Ireland)€102.7k - €162.5kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Principal Software Engineer role focusing on enhancing vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch, contributing to new vector search features, and resolving bugs as part of the Elasticsearch - Search team.

Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering, supplying unparalleled speed and relevance in search.
  • Contribute to Elasticsearch full time, building new search features and fixing bugs, including possible invention of new algorithms or data structures, and close collaboration with OS/hardware considerations.
  • Work with a globally distributed team of engineers 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 globally on issues and pull requests, triaging and handing off to other experts or handling tasks independently.
  • 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 advanced academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.
  • Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases; use of HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms on search platforms at scale.
  • Strong core Java skills; proficient with standard data structures, concurrency, and features like lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously, drive projects end-to-end including technical design and cross-team collaboration.
  • Experience collaborating asynchronously and with distributed teams; comfortable giving/receiving code and API feedback.
  • Experience with multiple data storage technologies (e.g., Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra) and understanding their operation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; collaborative and respectful in online interactions.
  • 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 business priorities.
  • Self-driven, able to drive decisions and results in a distributed team via asynchronous, transparent communication.

Skills

Required:JavaVector similarity algorithmsSoftware design and architectureCollaboration / communication

Benefits

  • Competitive pay; regionally parity benefits across locations
  • Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
  • Flexible calendar with locations and schedules
  • Generous vacation days
  • Donation matching up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent)
  • Up to 40 hours annually for volunteer projects
  • Minimum 16 weeks parental leave
  • Diversity and inclusion emphasis; equal opportunity employer
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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