Principal Software Engineer – Vector Search, Elasticsearch

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

📋 Description

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

• Develop new search functionalities and resolve bugs within Elasticsearch.

• Enhance code readability and, when necessary, create or apply algorithms and data structures.

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

• Collaborate with a diverse, globally distributed team of skilled engineers specializing in vector search.

• Act as a subject matter expert on Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation and further improve this domain.

• Engage with global community members to address issues and manage pull requests, including triage and resolution.

• Write modern, idiomatic Java code.

⛳️ Requirements

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

• Proven professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases.

• Familiarity with HNSW, IVF, or other pertinent algorithms and libraries deployed on large-scale search platforms.

• Strong proficiency in core Java along with knowledge of standard-library data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.

• Capability to manage projects from inception to completion, including technical design and collaboration with other engineers.

• Experience in collaborative code development, approaches, and APIs.

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

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

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

• Proficient in collaborating across functions and teams, adapting between projects, codebases, or teams based on business priorities.

• Ability to work independently and drive decisions and results within a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

• Bonus: Experience with Elasticsearch, open source projects, source-control workflows, continuous integration, data storage technology, and cross-functional initiatives.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation reflective of your contributions here rather than your past salary.

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

• Flexibility in crafting your schedule and location for many roles.

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

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

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

• A minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.