At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build backend search services for global research platforms.
- Company: Join Elsevier's innovative Search and AI Platform team.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health perks, pension scheme, and learning resources.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of users discovering vital research.
- Qualifications: Experience in backend engineering and search technologies like Elasticsearch.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer I to join the Search Platform team within Elsevier’s Search and AI Platform. This role is well suited to an experienced backend engineer with hands‑on search experience who enjoys building reliable, cloud‑native systems at scale. You will work on core search services and APIs that support products such as Scopus and ScienceDirect, helping millions of users worldwide discover research and information. You will own well‑defined components, collaborate closely with teammates, and deliver production‑ready solutions with support from senior and principal engineers.
The Search Platform team builds and maintains shared search foundations used across Elsevier products. This includes search services, retrieval capabilities, ranking foundations, and content freshness. The platform supports both lexical and semantic search and continues to evolve toward AI‑augmented and LLM‑enabled discovery. We work closely with product, data science, and engineering teams, and we value collaboration, clear communication, and continuous improvement in a global team environment.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and operate backend search services in production
- Contribute to scalable, reliable Kubernetes‑hosted systems
- Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to turn requirements into working solutions
- Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
- Continuously grow your understanding of search technologies and platform architecture
Requirements
- Several years of professional experience in backend or platform engineering
- Practical experience with search systems (for example Elasticsearch, Solr, OpenSearch, or Lucene‑based technologies)
- Strong experience with Java and modern backend frameworks (such as Spring or Spring Boot)
- Experience deploying and operating services in Kubernetes‑based environments
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days
- Health screening, eye care vouchers and private medical benefits
- Access to a competitive contributory pension scheme
- Save As You Earn share option scheme
- Travel Season ticket loan
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to emergency care for both the elderly and children
- RECARES days, giving you time to support the charities and causes that matter to you
- Access to employee resource groups with dedicated time to volunteer
- Access to extensive learning and development resources
- Access to employee discounts scheme via Perks at Work
Senior Software Engineer- Java & Search Platform in London employer: Elsevier
Elsevier is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the Search Platform team. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to extensive learning resources and opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that support millions of users globally. The generous benefits package, including a competitive pension scheme and flexible leave options, further enhances the rewarding experience of working in a dynamic environment focused on cutting-edge technology and meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer- Java & Search Platform in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Elsevier or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Java skills and search technologies. Practice coding challenges and system design questions that are relevant to backend engineering. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! If you've built any search services or worked with Kubernetes, make sure to highlight these experiences in your discussions. Real-world examples can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer- Java & Search Platform in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with backend engineering and search technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the Senior Software Engineer position and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our Search Platform team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since we value teamwork, mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with cross-functional teams. Highlighting your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our awesome company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier
✨Know Your Search Technologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of search systems like Elasticsearch, Solr, or OpenSearch. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and how you've implemented them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Java Skills
Since this role requires strong Java expertise, prepare to talk about your experience with Java and frameworks like Spring or Spring Boot. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to build reliable backend services.
✨Understand Kubernetes
Familiarise yourself with deploying and operating services in Kubernetes environments. Be prepared to discuss any relevant projects where you've used Kubernetes, as this will show your capability to work in scalable cloud-native systems.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role values teamwork, so think of examples where you've collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've contributed to turning requirements into working solutions.
