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 holidays, health perks, wellbeing programs, and learning resources.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of users discovering vital research.
- Qualifications: Experience in backend engineering and search systems 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, including 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, valuing 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.
- Several years of professional experience in backend or platform engineering.
- Practical experience with search systems such as Elasticsearch, Solr, OpenSearch, or Lucene.
- Strong experience with Java and modern backend frameworks, including Spring and Spring Boot.
- Experience deploying and operating services in Kubernetes‑based environments.
- Experience building and running cloud‑based systems, ideally using AWS and CI/CD pipelines.
- Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days.
- Health screening, eye care vouchers, and private medical benefits.
- Wellbeing programs.
- Life assurance.
- Competitive contributory pension scheme.
- Share option scheme.
- Travel season ticket loan.
- Electric vehicle scheme.
- Optional dental insurance.
- Maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Emergency care for elderly and children.
- RECARES days for charitable support.
- Employee resource groups with dedicated volunteer time.
- Extensive learning and development resources.
- Employee discounts via Perks at Work.
Senior Software Engineer I in London employer: RELX Group
Elsevier is an exceptional employer for Senior Software Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Search Platform team. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits, and extensive learning opportunities, you will thrive in a culture that values continuous improvement and supports your professional growth while contributing to impactful projects that serve millions of users globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer I in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Elsevier or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to search technologies and cloud-native systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding of backend frameworks like Spring and Spring Boot. Practice common algorithms and system design questions to impress your interviewers.
✨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 I in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with backend systems and search technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about joining our Search Platform team and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Senior Software Engineer I position.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RELX Group
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Java, Spring, and Kubernetes. Brush up on your experience with search systems like Elasticsearch or Solr, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be prepared to discuss past experiences where you collaborated effectively. Highlight specific projects where clear communication and teamwork led to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into your technical knowledge. Review common backend engineering concepts and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Practising coding challenges can help you feel more confident and prepared.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning
The Search Platform team values continuous improvement, so share how you stay updated with the latest trends in search technologies and cloud-native systems. Mention any recent courses, certifications, or personal projects that showcase your commitment to growth.
