Senior Software Developer – Vector Search, Elasticsearch

Elastic

. Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading search engine with speed and relevance .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeRemote • CanadaSenior💰 CA$128,300 - CA$203,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Elasticsearch and vector similarity techniques, with a strong foundation in core Java and experience in developing search features and algorithms. Proven ability to collaborate effectively in distributed teams and drive improvements in search relevance and performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

ElasticsearchVector SimilarityCore JavaHNSW AlgorithmAI Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Search Engine DevelopmentAlgorithm ImplementationData StructuresConcurrency ConstructsLambdasBug FixingCode OptimizationSearch PlatformsVector DatabasesInformation Retrieval

Soft Skills

Autonomous WorkCollaborationCommunicationProject GuidanceDecision Making

Tools & Technologies

ElasticsearchSolrPostgreSQLMongoDBCassandra

Industry Keywords

Search RelevanceDistributed TeamsAsynchronous CollaborationCommunity EngagementCode Review

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CassandraElasticSearchJavaMongoDBPostgres

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading search engine with speed and relevance
Build new search features, fix bugs, and make code easier to understand
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
Identify and drive improvements in Elasticsearch search relevance
Work with worldwide community members on issues and pull requests, including triage and handoffs
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 advanced academic research in vector similarity information retrieval
Professional experience with search or vector databases
Used HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries on search platforms at scale
Solid skills in core Java, including standard data structures, concurrency constructs, and lambdas
Ability to work autonomously and guide projects from beginning to end
Experience collaborating on code, approaches, and APIs, including internet-based or asynchronous collaboration
Experience with data storage technologies such as Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra
Proven track record using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code while owning outcomes
Ability to collaborate across functions and teams and transition between projects, codebases, or teams
Ability to drive decisions and results in a distributed team through asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication

Benefits

Comp & perks

Elastic 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 performed, not previous salary