or apply directly on Elastic's site. We never take the application ourselves.
Is this posting real?
- This role has been open
- 20 days Elastic's roles stay open a median of 32 days
- Reposted
- No
- Salary listed
- No 0% of Elastic's roles list one
- Ghost-job risk at Elastic
- low 0 stale, 5 reposted of 372 open
- Hiring momentum
- 495 roles opened in the last 90 days ↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
- Last confirmed on the employer's board
- 2026-09-17
Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from Elastic's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for Elastic.
About this role
The Principal Software Engineer for the Elasticsearch - Search team will focus on enhancing vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch. Responsibilities include designing and implementing new features, fixing bugs, and collaborating with a globally distributed team to improve the search experience. The role requires a high level of autonomy and expertise in vector databases and core Java, with an emphasis on writing clear and maintainable code.
- benefits
- 4/5
- freshness
- 4/5
- career value
- 5/5
- role clarity
- 5/5
- pay transparency
- 0/5
Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of Elastic as an employer.
What you need
- Professional experience with vector similarity and vector databases, using algorithms like HNSW or IVF on search platforms at scale
- Strong skills in core Java and familiarity with data structures and concurrency constructs
- Ability to work autonomously and guide projects from design to implementation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with data storage technologies like Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra
- Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development and optimize code
Nice to have
- Experience building with Elasticsearch
- Familiarity with open source projects and source control workflows
- Experience designing and leading cross-functional initiatives
What you get
- Competitive pay based on the work you do
- Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
- Flexible locations and schedules
- Generous vacation days
- Matching for financial donations and service up to $2000
- Up to 40 hours per year for volunteer projects
Worth weighing
- No variable compensation component mentioned, only base salary
- Salary range provided is typical starting range, actual compensation may vary based on experience and other factors
- Role requires significant collaboration over the internet, which may be challenging for some candidates
Summarised from Elastic's posting. Read the full original.
Listed by Elastic on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-09-17. PitchMeAI is not the employer.
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