Principal Software Developer – Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

Elastic

. Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeRemote • CanadaLead💰 CA$154,000 - CA$243,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation and algorithm development, with strong proficiency in modern Java and experience in collaborative software development. Capable of driving projects from inception to completion while optimizing code and enhancing system performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Elasticsearch Vector SimilarityCore JavaVector DatabasesHNSW AlgorithmData Storage Technologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Vector SimilarityModern JavaConcurrency ConstructsData StructuresAlgorithmsElasticsearchSolrPostgreSQLMongoDBCassandra

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaborative DevelopmentFeedback ReceptionAutonomous WorkAsynchronous Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

Export License

Industry Keywords

Vector DatabasesSearch PlatformsAI DevelopmentDistributed TeamsTechnical Design

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CassandraElasticSearchJavaMongoDBPostgres

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering
Contribute full time to Elasticsearch by building new search features and fixing bugs
Improve code understandability and, when needed, invent or implement algorithms and data structures
Work close to the operating system and hardware when needed
Collaborate with a globally distributed team focused on Elasticsearch vector search capabilities
Serve as an expert on Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation and improve the area based on questions and insights
Work with community members worldwide on issues and pull requests, including triaging, handing off, and resolving issues
Write idiomatic modern Java

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases
Experience using HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries on search platforms at scale
Strong skills in core Java, including standard-library data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas
Ability to take on projects and guide them from beginning to end, including technical design and collaborating with engineers
Experience developing collaboratively and giving and receiving feedback on code, approaches, and APIs
Experience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code while owning final outcomes
Ability to collaborate across functions and teams and transition between projects, codebases, or teams based on business priorities
Ability to work autonomously and drive decisions and results in a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication
Export license may be required as a condition of employment for individuals located in or nationals of certain sanctioned countries or regions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Elastic's stock program
Company-matched Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6% of eligible earnings
Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
Flexible locations and schedules for many roles
Generous number of vacation days each year
Matching up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service
Up to 40 hours each year for volunteer projects
Minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave