Elasticsearch - Principal Software Engineer II - Search Internals, Lucene

Who you are

You have extensive experience in software engineering, particularly in search technologies — your deep understanding of search internals allows you to define and direct the development of Elasticsearch capabilities. You thrive in collaborative environments, working with teams across different time zones and cultures, and you are adept at using tools like GitHub and Slack to communicate effectively.

Your expertise in Lucene is complemented by a strong background in indexing, retrieval, and relevance — you have a proven track record of improving search experiences and are passionate about building robust, scalable systems. You are comfortable taking the lead on technical vision and direction, guiding teams to achieve ambitious goals.

You are a problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges — your analytical skills enable you to dissect issues and propose innovative solutions that enhance user experience. You understand the importance of securing and protecting data, and you are committed to building systems that prioritize privacy and security.

You have a collaborative mindset and enjoy mentoring others — sharing your knowledge and helping your colleagues grow is important to you. You are excited about the potential of AI and how it can transform search capabilities, and you are eager to contribute to a company that is at the forefront of this technology.

Desirable

Experience with cloud-based solutions and a strong understanding of distributed systems would be beneficial. Familiarity with agile methodologies and experience working in a remote environment are also advantageous.

What you'll do

As a Principal Software Engineer II at Elastic, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Elasticsearch — you will lead initiatives to enhance the search experience, focusing on core infrastructure components such as indexing and retrieval. Your responsibilities will include defining technical strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring that the solutions you develop meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

You will work closely with other engineers to identify areas for improvement within the search infrastructure — your insights will drive the development of new features and enhancements that benefit users across various industries. You will also be responsible for conducting code reviews, providing feedback, and ensuring best practices are followed throughout the development process.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence the technical direction of the team — your expertise will guide decision-making and help shape the roadmap for future developments. You will engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into actionable engineering tasks, ensuring that the team delivers value to the business and its customers.

You will also participate in knowledge-sharing sessions and contribute to the overall growth of the engineering team — your mentorship will help junior engineers develop their skills and advance their careers. You will be an advocate for a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.

What we offer

Elastic offers a flexible work environment that supports remote collaboration — you will have the freedom to work from anywhere while being part of a globally-distributed team. The company values diversity and inclusion, and you will be encouraged to bring your unique perspective to the table.

You will have access to professional development opportunities, allowing you to enhance your skills and advance your career within the organization. Elastic is committed to building a culture of learning and growth, and you will be supported in your pursuit of knowledge and expertise.

In addition to a competitive salary, Elastic provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and wellness programs, generous vacation policies, and opportunities for team-building activities. You will be part of a mission-driven company that is dedicated to making a positive impact through technology.