Principal Software Engineer (Application Networking) - Platform Infrastructure

Elastic is a company providing a Search AI Platform used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500, offering cloud-based solutions for search, security, and observability that help organizations utilize all structured and unstructured data effectively.

• Experience setting technical direction for complex distributed systems running production at scale at Staff or Principal level.
• Deep expertise in application networking and cloud-native architecture, including designing, operating, and evolving Ingress, private connectivity, DNS, and security controls.
• Experience building large-scale distributed systems, not just using off-the-shelf services.
• Ability to own projects from start to finish, including technical design and team collaboration.
• Experience operating high-availability SaaS platforms, incident response, and improving reliability.
• Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and teams, managing multiple projects and codebases.
• Capability to work autonomously, driving decisions and results with clear communication and influence without formal authority.

Bonus Points:

• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes networking (including Cilium, external-dns, Envoy Gateway, Crossplane) and at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Contributions to CNCF or other open-source networking projects.

• Set the technical direction for major application networking initiatives, owning designs from proposal through general availability.
• Lead the development of Ingress, private connectivity, DNS, and security controls on a large scale for Elastic Cloud.
• Continuously identify and address issues concerning performance, reliability, and operability.
• Lead multi-quarter, cross-organizational projects relied upon by other Elastic engineering teams through to delivery.
• Take charge of operational investigations, lead complex incident reviews, and participate in on-call rotation.
• Mentor and support engineers, act as a subject matter expert and technical advisor.
• Partner with product management and senior engineering stakeholders on technical trade-offs and roadmap direction.
• Champion improvements to security, stability, and cost efficiency while untangling complexity across the platform.

Employment may require export license if located in or a national of Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, or certain Ukrainian territories annexed by Russia. National origin or nationality does not affect eligibility for employment. Elastic commits to an inclusive culture celebrating diversity. Applicants have federal employment rights and access to privacy statements.