Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

📋 Description

• Lead vector search initiatives within Elasticsearch to boost speed and relevance.
• Contribute to Elasticsearch features, fix bugs, and implement new algorithms.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team on vector search capabilities.
• Be the expert on vector similarity and related implementations.
• Engage with community members on issues and PRs, asynchronously when needed.
• Write idiomatic modern Java (Elasticsearch is 99.8% Java).

🎯 Requirements

• Experience with vector similarity and vector databases; using HNSW/IVF or similar at scale.
• Strong core Java skills and knowledge of data structures and concurrency.
• Ability to own projects end-to-end and guide design and implementation.
• Comfort collaborating asynchronously and across functions/teams.
• Experience with data storage tech (Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

🎁 Benefits

• Health coverage for you and family in many locations.
• Flexible locations and schedules for many roles.
• Generous vacation days each year.
• Up to $2000 matched for charitable donations (local currency equiv).
• Up to 40 hours/year for volunteer projects.
• Parental leave (minimum 16 weeks).