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 • GreeceLead💰 €73,300 - €115,900 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 vector databases. Capable of leading projects autonomously while collaborating effectively in a distributed team environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Elasticsearch Vector Similarity ImplementationCore Java ProficiencyVector Databases ExperienceAsynchronous Collaboration SkillsData Storage Technologies Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Vector Similarity AlgorithmsHNSWIVFJavaData StructuresConcurrency ConstructsLambdasDebugging Complex SystemsAlgorithm DevelopmentCode Optimization

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsAutonomous Work AbilityCollaboration Across FunctionsDecision-Making SkillsTransparent Communication

Tools & Technologies

ElasticsearchSolrPostgreSQLMongoDBCassandra

Industry Keywords

Vector DatabasesSearch PlatformsDistributed TeamsAI Development

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CassandraElasticSearchJavaMongoDBPostgres

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Elasticsearch initiatives to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with speed and relevance in search
Build new search features and fix bugs in Elasticsearch
Improve code understandability and develop algorithms or data structures as needed
Work close to the operating system and hardware when required
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
Work with global community members on issues and pull requests, including triage and resolution
Write idiomatic modern Java

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, using HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries on search platforms at scale
Strong skills in core Java and familiarity with standard-library data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas
Ability to work autonomously and guide projects from beginning to end, including technical design and collaboration with engineers
Experience collaborating collaboratively on code, approaches, and APIs, including internet-based or asynchronous collaboration
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 drive decisions and results in a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication

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