Principal Software Developer – Vector Search, 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 and vector similarity implementation, with strong capabilities in modern Java development and algorithm design. Proven ability to collaborate effectively in distributed teams while driving projects from inception to completion.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Elasticsearch Vector Similarity ImplementationCore Java DevelopmentVector Similarity Algorithms (HNSW, IVF)Data Storage Technologies (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra)Collaboration and Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Vector SimilarityJavaAlgorithmsData StructuresConcurrency ConstructsSearch PlatformsCode ReadabilityBug FixingTechnical DesignAI Development

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaborationAutonomous WorkDecision-MakingProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

ElasticsearchSolrPostgreSQLMongoDBCassandra

Industry Keywords

Vector DatabaseInformation RetrievalSearch FeaturesDistributed TeamAsynchronous Communication

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 readability and maintainability
Invent or implement algorithms and data structures
Work close to the operating system and hardware when needed
Collaborate with a globally distributed team of experienced engineers focused on vector search capabilities
Serve as an expert on Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation and improve search relevance
Work with community members worldwide on issues and pull requests, including triage, handoff, and resolution
Write idiomatic modern Java

Requirements

What you’ll need

Implemented novel techniques in vector similarity on a search platform with a large user base or progressed academic research in vector similarity information retrieval
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, covering technical design and collaboration with engineers
Experience collaborating collaboratively on code, approaches, and APIs
Experience with several 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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Base salary compensation with no variable compensation component
Eligibility to participate in 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
Competitive pay based on the work you do here and not your previous salary