Principal Software Engineer, Vector Search, Elasticsearch

Elastic

Confirmed live yesterday Low trust

Remote

Quick summary

Work type: Remote
Location: Remote
Posted: 15 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday

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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 a premier vector database offering by developing new algorithms or data structures and writing idiomatic Java code. Key responsibilities include collaborating with a globally distributed team, engaging with community members on pull requests, and serving as a subject matter expert on vector similarity for search relevance. Required skills include proficiency in core Java, concurrency constructs, and experience with HNSW or IVF algorithms. Candidates should have experience with data storage technologies like Solr, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB while utilizing AI to optimize code and debug complex systems within the vector search domain.

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 as needed.
Serve as the primary internal expert on how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity for search relevance.
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 security policies and the Secure Software Development Framework.

What we're looking for

Experience implementing novel techniques in vector similarity on search platforms or advancing academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.
Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases using algorithms like HNSW, IVF, or other relevant libraries at scale.
Strong skills in core Java, including the standard library of data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.
Proven ability to work autonomously, leading projects from technical design through completion in a distributed team environment.
Experience with various data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
Demonstrated track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating across functions and teams.
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