Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

Overview In this role you will drive the vector search capability of Elasticsearch, shaping a high-performance vector database. You will lead design and implementation of new features, optimize relevance and speed, and tackle challenging bugs. You’ll work with a globally distributed team, sharing knowledge and guiding components from concept to production. This is a hands-on, autonomous role that combines algorithmic innovation with practical system engineering to advance AI-powered search. You’ll contribute to Lucene-related improvements and mentor peers, all in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.

Leistungen / Benefits competitive pay health coverage for you and your family flexible locations and schedules generous vacation days donations matching up to $2000 volunteer time allowance (up to 40 hours/year) Verantwortungsbereiche Lead vector search initiatives to deliver fast, relevant search at scale Design and implement new vector features and improvements Address complex bugs and refactor for clarity and maintainability Prototype new algorithms or data structures and push toward production Collaborate with a globally distributed team via async and synchronous communication Triage community issues and PRs, contributing as needed Develop in idiomatic Java and work close to OS/hardware when necessary Engage with cross-functional teams to steer projects Maintain and improve code quality and documentation Contribute to Lucene-related enhancements for search relevance Zentrale

Anforderungen Experience with vector similarity and vector databases; familiarity with HNSW, IVF or similar algorithms Strong Java skills and solid knowledge of concurrency and data structures Ability to own projects from design to delivery with minimal supervision Collaborative mindset with proven experience in remote/internet-based teamwork Experience with data storage technologies like Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development and debugging complex systems Ability to navigate multiple codebases and teams in a distributed environment Excellent verbal and written communication skills collaboration feedback culture asynchronous communication vector similarity vector databases HNSW