Principal Software Engineer – Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

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

📋 Description

• Spearhead initiatives within Elasticsearch to create a leading vector database solution that prioritizes speed and relevance in search.

• Dedicate full-time efforts to Elasticsearch by developing new search functionalities and addressing bugs.

• Enhance code clarity and, when necessary, devise or implement innovative algorithms and data structures.

• Collaborate closely with the operating system and hardware as required.

• Partner with a globally distributed team focused on enhancing Elasticsearch's vector-search capabilities.

• Act as a specialist in Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation, enhancing search relevance.

• Engage with community members around the globe on issues and pull requests, including triaging and resolving them.

• Write modern, idiomatic Java code.

⛳️ Requirements

• Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, including HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries for large-scale search platforms.

• Strong proficiency in core Java, encompassing standard-library data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.

• Capability to work independently and lead projects from inception to completion, including technical design and collaboration with engineers.

• Experience in collaborative development through code contributions, approach discussions, and API feedback.

• Familiarity with remote collaboration, ideally in an asynchronous manner.

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

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven experience utilizing AI to expedite development, resolve complex system issues, and optimize code while taking ownership of final results.

• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and teams, transitioning between projects, codebases, or teams based on business needs.

• Skilled in driving decisions and achieving results within a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

• Experience with Elasticsearch, open-source projects, source control workflows, or continuous integration is advantageous.

• Experience in designing, leading, and managing cross-functional initiatives is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

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

• Health insurance coverage for you and your family in various locations.

• Flexibility to create your own schedule and choose locations for many roles.

• A generous allocation of vacation days each year.

• Elastic matches up to $2000 (or the local currency equivalent) for charitable donations and service work.

• Up to 40 hours each year to dedicate to volunteer projects you are passionate about.

• A minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.