Principal Software Engineer – Vector Search, Elasticsearch

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

📋 Description

• Spearhead Elasticsearch projects to create a top-tier vector database solution with exceptional speed and search relevance.

• Develop new Elasticsearch search functionalities and address any bugs.

• Enhance the comprehensibility of the code.

• Design or apply algorithms and data structures as necessary.

• Engage closely with the operating system and hardware when required.

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team dedicated to Elasticsearch vector search.

• Act as a specialist in Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation and drive improvements in this field.

• Work alongside global community members to manage issues and pull requests, whether by triaging, delegating, or resolving them.

• Write modern, idiomatic Java code.

⛳️ Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in implementing innovative techniques for vector similarity on a widely-used search platform or advancing academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.

• Professional background in vector similarity and vector databases.

• Experience utilizing HNSW, IVF, or other pertinent algorithms and libraries on large-scale search platforms.

• Proficient in core Java, including standard-library data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.

• Capable of managing projects from inception to completion, including technical design and development in collaboration with other engineers.

• Comfortable with collaborative development, code and API reviews, as well as asynchronous internet collaboration.

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

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.

• Proven history of leveraging AI to enhance development, troubleshoot complex systems, and optimize code while taking ownership of final outcomes.

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

• Capability to work independently and drive decisions and outcomes within a distributed team through clear, direct, and transparent communication.

• Experience with Elasticsearch, open-source projects, source control workflows, continuous integration, data storage technologies, or cross-functional initiatives is an advantage.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on your contributions here, not your prior salary.

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

• Flexibility in scheduling and location for many roles, allowing you to shape your calendar.

• A generous vacation policy offering a substantial number of days off each year.

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

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

• Minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.