Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search

About the role

Elastic is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of vector similarity search within Elasticsearch. You will shape the next generation of our vector database, delivering high‑performance, relevance‑driven search capabilities for a global user base.

Key responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to create an industry‑leading vector database offering with unmatched speed and relevance.
• Design and implement new vector search features, invent algorithms or data structures, and work close to the operating system and hardware when needed.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers focused on Elasticsearch’s vector capabilities.
• Serve as the go‑to expert on Elasticsearch’s vector similarity implementation, guiding improvements and answering community questions.

Required profile

• Proven experience implementing novel vector similarity techniques or advancing academic research in this area.
• Hands‑on experience with vector databases and algorithms such as HNSW or IVF at scale.
• Strong core Java expertise, including data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambda expressions.
• Ability to work autonomously, drive projects from design through delivery, and collaborate effectively across time zones.

Required skills

• Java
• HNSW
• IVF
• Elasticsearch
• Solr
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB
• Cassandra

What we offer

• Competitive pay based on the work you do, not your previous salary.
• Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
• Flexible calendar with remote‑friendly locations and schedules.
• Generous vacation allowance and up to 40 hours per year for volunteer projects.
• Minimum of 16 weeks parental leave and matching donations up to $2000.