Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic is a company specializing in Search AI, providing a cloud-based platform used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500 to deliver precision search and AI-powered solutions for search, security, and observability.

• Experience implementing novel vector similarity techniques on search platforms or research in vector similarity information retrieval.
• Professional experience with vector similarity algorithms like HNSW, IVF on search platforms at scale.
• Strong skills in core Java, including standard data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.
• Ability to work autonomously and lead projects from design to development.
• Comfortable collaborating and providing/receiving code and API feedback, including asynchronous collaboration.
• Experience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven track record using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple projects or codebases.
• Self-driven with skills to drive decisions and results in a distributed team using transparent communication.

Bonus Points:

• Previous experience building with Elasticsearch.
• Experience with open source projects, source control workflows, and continuous integration.
• Experience with data storage technologies.
• Experience designing, leading, and owning cross-functional initiatives.

• Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to deliver a leading vector database with unparalleled speed and relevance in search.
• Build new search features and fix bugs, including inventing or implementing algorithms and data structures.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team focused on vector search capabilities.
• Be an expert in vector similarity implementation in Elasticsearch and provide guidance.
• Engage with the community on issues and pull requests, triaging or handling them.
• Write idiomatic modern Java code, as Elasticsearch is primarily written in Java.

• Employment eligibility subject to export controls and licensing requirements for nationals or residents of Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, and certain Ukrainian territories.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive culture and accommodations for disabilities.
• Applicants have rights under various Federal Employment Laws such as FMLA and EPPA.