Principal Software Engineer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch @Elastic

Overview

The role is for a Principal Software Engineer to join the Elasticsearch - Search team at Elastic. This globally-distributed team focuses on enhancing vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to produce an industry-leading vector database offering.
• Contribute to Elasticsearch by building new search features and fixing bugs.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers on vector search capabilities.
• Serve as the expert on Elasticsearch's vector similarity implementation.
• Engage with community members on issues and pull requests.
• Write idiomatic modern Java code.

Requirements

• Experience with vector similarity on a search platform or academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.
• Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, including algorithms like HNSW and IVF.
• Strong skills in core Java and familiarity with data structures and concurrency.
• Capability to work autonomously and manage projects from beginning to end.
• Experience with collaborative development and asynchronous communication.
• Familiarity with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven track record of using AI for development and optimization.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on the work performed.
• Health coverage for employees and their families in many locations.
• Flexible locations and schedules for many roles.
• Generous vacation days each year.
• Matching for financial donations and up to 40 hours for volunteer projects.
• A minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.

Location

Remote (based in Switzerland).

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application through the company’s careers page.