Principal Software Engineer – Vector Search, Elasticsearch

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

📋 Description

• Spearhead projects within Elasticsearch to create a top-tier vector database solution that excels in speed and search relevance.

• Devote full-time efforts to Elasticsearch by developing new search functionalities, addressing bugs, enhancing code readability, and creating algorithms or data structures.

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

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team that focuses on enhancing Elasticsearch vector search capabilities.

• Act as a specialist in Elasticsearch vector similarity to optimize search relevance.

• Enhance vector similarity features based on inquiries and technical expertise.

• Work with community members around the world on issues and pull requests, including triaging, allocating tasks, and resolving problems.

• Write idiomatic modern Java.

⛳️ Requirements

• Developed innovative methods in vector similarity on a search platform with a substantial user base or advanced academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.

• Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases.

• Familiarity with HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries utilized on search platforms at scale.

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

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

• Experience in collaborating online, ideally in an asynchronous manner.

• Knowledge of data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

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

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

• Capacity to drive decisions and results in a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

• Commitment to equal opportunity and an inclusive culture.

• An export license may be necessary for individuals located in or nationals of specific sanctioned countries or regions.

🏝️ Benefits

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

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

• Flexibility to design your schedule and work locations for many roles.

• A generous allocation of vacation days each year.

• We match up to $2000 (or equivalent local currency) for charitable donations and service.

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

• A minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.