Principal Software Engineer, Vector Search, 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 $172,225–$230,625.

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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At a glance

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

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Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - 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 complex 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 potentially working close to hardware. Key responsibilities include collaborating with a globally distributed team, engaging with community members on pull requests, and writing idiomatic Java code. Required skills include expertise in vector similarity, proficiency with HNSW and IVF algorithms, and deep knowledge of the Java standard library and concurrency constructs. Candidates should also have experience with data storage technologies like Solr, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB while utilizing AI to optimize development and debug complex systems.

What does a Software Engineer earn in Remote?

Median $204500 from 415 postings across 57 companies.

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Skills

Elasticsearch Java Vector Search Lucene HNSW IVF PostgreSQL MongoDB Cassandra Solr GitHub Open Source Data Structures Algorithms

What you'll do

Lead initiatives to develop an industry-leading vector database offering with high speed and relevance.
Design and implement new vector search features and improvements to existing functionality within Elasticsearch.
Develop, optimize, and debug core Java code while creating new algorithms or data structures when necessary.
Serve as a subject matter expert on vector similarity implementations for the internal engineering team.
Manage community interactions by triaging and resolving issues and pull requests from global users.
Drive technical projects from inception to completion, including design and cross-functional coordination.
Ensure all software contributions comply with secure development frameworks and data protection policies.

What we're looking for

Experience implementing novel techniques in vector similarity on a search platform or advancing academic research in the field.
Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases using algorithms like HNSW or IVF at scale.
Proficiency in core Java, including standard library data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.
Ability to work autonomously to lead projects from technical design through implementation in a distributed team.
Experience using 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 across functions and teams.
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