Principal Software Engineer – Vector Search, Elasticsearch

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

📋 Description

• Lead initiatives in Elasticsearch to create a top-tier vector database solution characterized by speed and search relevance.

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

• Collaborate closely with the operating system and hardware when necessary.

• Work alongside a globally distributed team that specializes in Elasticsearch vector search capabilities.

• Act as an authority on vector similarity implementation, search relevance, and associated enhancements.

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

• Write modern idiomatic Java.

⛳️ Requirements

• Experience in implementing innovative techniques in vector similarity on a search platform with a substantial user base or through advanced academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.

• Professional background in 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, encompassing the standard library, data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas.

• Capability to work independently and oversee projects from inception to completion.

• Background in collaborating on technical designs, components, code, methodologies, and APIs.

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

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.

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

• Ability to collaborate across various functions and teams, smoothly transitioning between projects, codebases, or teams.

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

• Must meet applicable export-control and licensing regulations; an export license may be required for nationals or residents of Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, or specified Ukrainian territories.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for a stock program.

• Company-matched 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6% of eligible earnings.

• Health coverage for you and your family available in many locations.

• Flexible work locations and schedules for numerous roles.

• Generous vacation days offered each year.

• Matching contributions up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and community service.

• Up to 40 hours annually dedicated to volunteer projects.

• A minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.

• Competitive compensation based on work performed, rather than prior salary.

• Support for accommodations during the application or recruitment process.