Principal Software Engineer – Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

Elastic

. Lead Elasticsearch initiatives to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with speed and relevance in search .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeRemote • IrelandLead💰 €102,700 - €162,500 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 core Java and experience in data storage technologies. Capable of leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating effectively within a distributed team environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Elasticsearch Vector Similarity ImplementationCore Java ProgrammingVector Databases ExperienceData Storage TechnologiesCross-Functional Initiative Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Vector Similarity AlgorithmsHNSWIVFCore JavaData StructuresConcurrency ConstructsLambdasElasticsearchPostgreSQLMongoDB

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaborative DevelopmentFeedback ReceptionAutonomous WorkDecision-Making

Tools & Technologies

SolrCassandraOpen Source ProjectsSource Control WorkflowsContinuous Integration

Industry Keywords

Vector DatabasesSearch PlatformsAI DevelopmentAsynchronous CommunicationTechnical Design

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CassandraElasticSearchJavaMongoDBOpen SourcePostgres

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Elasticsearch initiatives to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with speed and relevance in search
Contribute full time to Elasticsearch by building new search features, fixing bugs, and improving code clarity
Invent or implement algorithms and data structures and work close to the operating system and hardware when needed
Work with a globally distributed team focused on Elasticsearch vector search capabilities
Serve as an expert on Elasticsearch vector similarity implementation and improve the area through investigation and development
Work with community members worldwide on issues and pull requests, including triage, handoff, and resolution
Write idiomatic modern Java

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, including 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
Comfortable 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
Ability to work with open source projects, source control workflows, and continuous integration
Experience designing, leading, and owning cross-functional initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive pay based on the work you do here and not your previous salary
Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
Ability to craft your calendar with flexible locations and schedules for many roles
Generous number of vacation days each year
We match up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service
Up to 40 hours each year to use toward volunteer projects you love
Minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave