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Elastic

Principal Software Engineer - Search Algorithms - Elasticsearch

Elastic · Switzerland

Posted 20 days ago

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 will join the Elasticsearch - Search team, focusing on enhancing vector similarity search functionality within Elasticsearch. Responsibilities include designing and implementing new vector search features, resolving bugs, and collaborating with a globally distributed team to improve search capabilities. The role requires writing modern Java code and engaging with community members on issues and pull requests.

Our read on this posting3.2out of 5
benefits
4/5
freshness
4/5
career value
4/5
role clarity
4/5
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 HNSW, IVF, or other relevant algorithms and libraries on search platforms at scale.
  • Strong skills in core Java and familiarity with the standard library of data structures and concurrency constructs, including lambdas.
  • Ability to work autonomously and guide projects from beginning to end, covering technical design and collaboration with other engineers.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in a collaborative, distributed environment.
  • Proven track record of using AI to accelerate development, debug complex systems, and optimize code.

Nice to have

  • Experience with Elasticsearch or building things with it.
  • Familiarity with open source projects and various source control workflows and continuous integration.
  • Experience with multiple data storage technologies like Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
  • Experience designing, leading, and owning cross-functional initiatives.

What you get

  • Competitive pay based on the work you do, not previous salary.
  • Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
  • Flexible locations and schedules for many roles.
  • Generous number of vacation days each year.
  • Financial matching for donations and service up to $2000.
  • Up to 40 hours each year for volunteer projects.

Worth weighing

  • Role involves developing and improving vector similarity search, which may require deep technical knowledge and innovation.
  • Collaboration is primarily asynchronous, which may be challenging for some candidates.
  • The company is distributed, which may require strong self-management and communication skills.
  • No specific salary or compensation details provided in the posting.

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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