Principal Software Engineer – Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Portugal.

📋 Description

• Take the lead on initiatives within Elasticsearch to create a top-tier vector database solution, ensuring speed and relevance in search functionality.

• Develop new search features, resolve bugs, enhance code clarity, and create algorithms or data structures.

• Engage closely with the operating system and hardware as necessary.

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team dedicated to enhancing Elasticsearch's vector search capabilities.

• Act as an authority on the implementation of Elasticsearch vector similarity, driving improvements in this area.

• Partner with community members globally to address issues and manage pull requests, including triaging, delegating, or resolving them.

• Write idiomatic and modern Java code.

⛳️ Requirements

• Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases; familiarity with algorithms and libraries such as HNSW, IVF, or others relevant to large-scale search platforms.

• Strong proficiency in core Java, including an understanding of the standard library's data structures, concurrency constructs, and advanced features like lambdas.

• Capability to work independently and manage projects from inception to completion, including technical design and collaborating with other engineers on component development.

• Comfortable engaging in collaborative development, conducting code and API reviews, and participating in asynchronous collaboration online.

• Experience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated success in utilizing AI to expedite development, troubleshoot complex systems, and optimize code while taking ownership of final results.

• Ability to collaborate across various functions and teams, adapting to different projects, codebases, or teams based on business needs.

• Proven capacity to drive decisions and achieve results within a distributed team through direct, transparent, and asynchronous communication.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on your contributions rather than your previous salary.

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family in various locations.

• Flexibility to design your schedule and location for many roles.

• Generous vacation days each year.

• Elastic matches up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and volunteer service.

• Up to 40 hours annually dedicated to volunteer projects that you are passionate about.

• A minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.