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Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - 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 enhancing vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch, contributing to new vector search features, bug fixes, and performance improvements for a globally distributed team.

Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with fast, relevant search.
  • Contribute to Elasticsearch by building new search features and fixing bugs; design and implement new algorithms or data structures as needed.
  • Collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers focused on vector search capabilities.
  • Serve as an expert on how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity to support search relevance; drive improvements in this area.
  • Engage with community members, triage issues and pull requests, and collaborate asynchronously as needed.
  • Write idiomatic Java code (Elasticsearch is predominantly Java).

Qualifications

  • Implemented novel techniques in vector similarity on a large-scale search platform or demonstrated significant academic contributions 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; familiarity with standard data structures, concurrency, and Java features like lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously from design through delivery and to guide projects end-to-end.
  • Experience collaborating across distributed teams and different time zones; strong asynchronous collaboration.
  • Exposure to multiple data storage technologies (e.g., Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra) and understanding of their trade-offs.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, collaborative mindset, and empathetic, respectful interactions.
  • 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 as priorities change.
  • Autonomy in driving decisions and delivering results in a distributed team via transparent communication.

Skills

Required:Vector similarity algorithmsJavaDistributed collaboration
Nice to have:Open source collaboration

Benefits

  • > Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits across regions
  • Health coverage for employees and families in many locations
  • Flexible work calendar, locations, and schedules
  • Generous vacation days
  • Company donation and volunteer program support (up to $2000 and 40 hours/year)
  • Parental leave minimum of 16 weeks
  • Inclusive, equal opportunity employer with accommodations available upon request
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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