Principal Vector Search Engineer

Elastic; Polska; On-site; PLN 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Elastic is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to advance the vector similarity search capabilities within Elasticsearch. You will shape design and implementation of new vector features while solving complex bugs and optimizing performance in a globally distributed team.

You will write idiomatic Java and collaborate across continents, balancing technical depth with maintainable, scalable code. This role emphasizes autonomy, empathy, and contributing to one of the most advanced search platforms

Qualifications

• Experience with vector similarity and vector databases.
• Strong Java skills and concurrency knowledge.
• Ability to work autonomously across time zones.
• Experience collaborating asynchronously in distributed teams.
• Familiar with Elasticsearch, Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB or Cassandra.

Responsibilities

• Lead vector search initiatives in Elasticsearch to improve speed and relevance.
• Design and implement new vector features and fixes.
• Work with a global team across email, GitHub, Zoom, and Slack.
• Contribute to code that is easy to understand and maintain.

Skills

Vector similarity

Vector databases

Java

Autonomy

Asynchronous collaboration

Tools

Elasticsearch

Solr

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

HNSW

IVF

Job description

Elastic is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to advance the vector similarity search capabilities within Elasticsearch. You will shape design and implementation of new vector features while solving complex bugs and optimizing performance in a globally distributed team.

You will write idiomatic Java and collaborate across continents, balancing technical depth with maintainable, scalable code. This role emphasizes autonomy, empathy, and contributing to one of the most advanced search platforms