Principal Software Engineer – Search Scaling
Join Elastic’s Elasticsearch - Search Scaling team as a globally distributed Principal Software Engineer. This role focuses on delivering a robust, feature‑rich search experience and improving the search infrastructure in Lucene.
Responsibilities
- Define, lead, and contribute to the evolution of core search and indexing capabilities.
- Research advances in search infrastructure, data structures, and retrieval algorithms to build efficient foundations.
- Collaborate with partners and product teams to shape the long‑term technical vision for search at Elastic.
- Drive an innovative roadmap for indexing, query execution, and relevance layers.
- Act as the go‑to expert in core search domains and continuously improve them.
Qualifications
- Experience leading technical projects in search infrastructure and distributed systems.
- Proven knowledge in building and operating sophisticated search platforms and high‑performance software.
- Experience mentoring senior engineers, providing technical and professional guidance.
- Hands‑on experience with Elasticsearch, Lucene, Solr, or similar indexing technologies.
- Strong Java skills and familiarity with advanced data structures, concurrency, and modern language features.
- Ability to work autonomously, guiding projects from concept to completion.
- Experience with large‑scale data or search systems and understanding of their inner workings.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits
- Competitive pay based on the work performed.
- Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
- Flexible work schedule and calendar options.
- Generous vacation days per year.
- Match up to $2,000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service.
- Up to 40 hours per year to use toward volunteer projects.
- At least 16 weeks of parental leave.
EEO Statement and Legal Information
Elastic is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.
We welcome individuals with disabilities and strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all individuals. To request an accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please email candidate_accessibility@elastic.co.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. See our Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision, Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA), and Know Your Rights posters.
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