Principal Software Developer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

Elastic
Canada
Full timeCAD 154,000 - 243,600 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringSkills: ["Communication","Collaboration","Autonomy","Code review","Problem-solving"]

Build and enhance Elasticsearch’s vector similarity search and vector database capabilities. Lead initiatives that deliver fast, relevant search by designing and implementing new vector search features, improving existing algorithms, and fixing complex bugs. Work with a globally distributed team and contribute to Lucene improvements, applying modern Java to create maintainable code while collaborating through GitHub, Zoom, and Slack.

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FursaFursa
Elastic
Elastic
1 day ago

Principal Software Developer - Vector Search - Elasticsearch

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Canonical indexed version, validated from employer's careers page.

Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 6 hours agoStatus: Live
Reposted: similar role first listed 1 week ago

Job Summary

Build and enhance Elasticsearch’s vector similarity search and vector database capabilities. Lead initiatives that deliver fast, relevant search by designing and implementing new vector search features, improving existing algorithms, and fixing complex bugs. Work with a globally distributed team and contribute to Lucene improvements, applying modern Java to create maintainable code while collaborating through GitHub, Zoom, and Slack.
Location: Canada
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Lead initiatives within Elasticsearch to produce an industry-leading vector database offering with high speed and relevance.
  • •Design and implement new vector search features and enhancements, and resolve bugs while improving code readability and maintainability.
  • •Apply expertise in how Elasticsearch implements vector similarity for search relevance, becoming the go-to expert for the area.
  • •Collaborate with a globally distributed engineering team to develop Elasticsearch’s vector search capabilities.
  • •Contribute to community issues and pull requests, triaging and collaborating with contributors and experts as needed.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: CAD 154,000 - 243,600 annually
Perks:EquityRrsp MatchingHealth InsurancePaid LeaveParental Leave

Key Requirements

  • •Implemented novel techniques in vector similarity for a search platform with a large user base or advanced academic research in vector similarity information retrieval.
  • •Hands-on experience with vector similarity/vector databases, including algorithms and libraries such as HNSW, IVF, or similar methods at scale.
  • •Strong core Java skills, including familiarity with data structures, concurrency constructs, and modern language features like lambdas.
  • •Ability to take projects end-to-end, owning technical design and guiding delivery with other engineers.
  • •Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a distributed, asynchronous environment.
Experience:Vector similarityVector databasesSearch platformsLuceneOpen source
Skills:CommunicationCollaborationAutonomyCode reviewProblem-solving
Languages:English
Tech Stack:JavaElasticsearchLuceneVector searchHNSWIVFGitHubZoomSlackPostgreSQLMongoDBCassandraSolr

Company Brief

Elastic
Builds the Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Kibana, Beats, Logstash) and provides search, observability, and security solutions that enable organizations to search, analyze, and protect data in real time across applications, infrastructure, and enterprises.
Industry: Data Infrastructure
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Revenue: USD 1B+
Growth: Public Company
Valuation: Public Company (Market Cap in USD)
Funding: IPO / Publicly Listed
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founded: 2012
WebsiteLinkedIn