Principal Software Engineer, Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

Elastic

Confirmed live 2 days ago Low trust
Remote

Quick summary

Work type
Remote
Location
Remote
Posted
15 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago

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Salary context

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $201k
$130k most similar roles pay here $266k

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $171,850–$231,000.

Based on 240 similar postings.

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About Elastic

Elastic is the company behind Elasticsearch and the Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Kibana, Beats, and Logstash). It sells search, observability, and security products built on that search engine, primarily through its Elastic Cloud managed service.

Elastic currently has 240 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $133,100–$210,600 across 91 roles with salary data.

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TL;DR · Principal Software Engineer, Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch joins the Elasticsearch search team to enhance vector similarity search functionality. This role involves designing and implementing new features, improving existing capabilities, and resolving bugs within the Lucene-based search experience. The engineer will lead initiatives to build an industry-leading vector database offering by developing new algorithms or data structures and writing idiomatic modern Java code. Key responsibilities include collaborating with a globally distributed team, triaging community pull requests, and serving as a subject matter expert on vector similarity for search relevance. Required skills include professional experience with HNSW and IVF algorithms, proficiency in core Java, and familiarity with data storage technologies like Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra. The role focuses on solving technical challenges related to high-speed, relevant search results within the Elasticsearch platform.

What does a Software Engineer earn in Remote?

Median $204500 from 415 postings across 57 companies.

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What you'll do

  • Design and implement new vector search features to improve Elasticsearch's performance and relevance.
  • Develop, optimize, and maintain core Java code for the Elasticsearch platform.
  • Create new algorithms or data structures to solve complex technical challenges in search functionality.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on vector similarity implementation for internal teams and community members.
  • Manage and triage community pull requests and issues from global contributors.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives and drive technical decisions within a distributed team environment.
  • Ensure all software contributions comply with secure development frameworks and data protection policies.

What we're looking for

  • Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases using algorithms like HNSW or IVF at scale.
  • Strong skills in core Java, including the standard library of data structures and concurrency constructs.
  • Ability to work autonomously to lead projects from technical design through completion.
  • Experience with various data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
  • Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug systems, and optimize code.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating in a distributed team environment.
  • Ability to collaborate across functions and teams while transitioning between different projects and codebases.
  • Export controls.

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