Senior Software Engineer – Search Algorithms, Elasticsearch

Elastic

. Join the Elasticsearch Search Relevance team to improve search experiences and contribute to Lucene .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $133,100 - $210,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing search features using modern Java, with a strong focus on search relevance and algorithm development. Proven ability to collaborate effectively in distributed teams and drive technical initiatives to enhance search capabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Search Database ExperienceCore Java ProficiencyHNSW Algorithm KnowledgeElasticsearch ExpertiseCollaborative Software Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

JavaSearch AlgorithmsData StructuresConcurrency ConstructsElasticsearchSolrPostgreSQLMongoDBCassandraAI Optimization

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationProblem-SolvingDecision-MakingProject Management

Tools & Technologies

Vector Search PlatformsSource-Control WorkflowsContinuous Integration

Industry Keywords

Search RelevanceTechnical DirectionOpen-Source ExperienceDistributed TeamsAsynchronous Communication

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CassandraElasticSearchJavaMongoDBPostgres

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Join the Elasticsearch Search Relevance team to improve search experiences and contribute to Lucene
Contribute to the technical direction and vision for search capabilities
Design and implement new search features and enhancements
Resolve bugs and improve code clarity
Lead Elasticsearch initiatives delivering speed and relevance in search
Build search features, fix bugs, and develop algorithms or data structures
Work close to the operating system and hardware when needed
Collaborate with globally distributed engineers focused on vector search
Identify and drive improvements in Elasticsearch search relevance
Work with global community members on issues and pull requests, including triage, handoff, and resolution
Write idiomatic modern Java

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional experience with search or vector databases
Experience using HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries on search platforms at scale
Solid skills in core Java
Knowledge of Java standard-library data structures and concurrency constructs, including lambdas
Ability to take projects from beginning to end, including technical design and component development
Collaborative software development experience, including code and API feedback
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 final 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
Bonus: Experience building with Elasticsearch
Bonus: Open-source experience and familiarity with source-control workflows and continuous integration
Bonus: Experience with data storage technology
Bonus: Experience designing, leading, and owning cross-functional initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Elastic stock program
Company-matched 401(k) 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
Up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) matching 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
Accessibility accommodations during the application or recruiting process