Principal Software Engineer (Vector Search)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Java/Vector Search): Enhancing vector similarity search functionality within hirify.globalsearch with an accent on the design and implementation of new vector search features and Lucene improvements. Focus on inventing new algorithms, optimizing data structures, and ensuring high-performance search relevance at scale.

Location: Remote (Canada, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom)

Salary: $154,000—$243,600 CAD

Company

hirify.global, the Search AI Company, provides cloud-based solutions for search, security, and observability used by over 50% of the Fortune 500.

What you will do

• Lead initiatives to build an industry-leading vector database offering for hirify.globalsearch.
• Implement new search features, fix bugs, and optimize code for better understandability.
• Invent or implement novel algorithms and data structures for vector similarity.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team of expert engineers across continents.
• Engage with the open-source community via issues and pull requests.
• Develop high-quality, idiomatic modern Java code for the core search engine.

Requirements

• Proven experience implementing novel vector similarity techniques on large-scale search platforms or academic research in the field.
• Professional expertise with vector databases and algorithms such as HNSW and IVF.
• Strong core Java skills, including concurrency constructs and the standard library.
• Ability to work autonomously and guide complex technical projects from design to completion.
• Experience with various data storage technologies such as Solr, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for asynchronous global collaboration.

Nice to have

• Previous experience building products with hirify.globalsearch.
• Experience with open-source projects and CI/CD workflows.
• Proven track record of designing and owning cross-functional initiatives.

Culture & Benefits

• Distributed-by-design culture with flexible locations and schedules.
• Competitive pay and eligibility for the company stock program.
• Health coverage for employees and their families in many locations.
• Generous annual vacation allowance and a minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.
• Company matching for financial donations and service up to $2,000.
• Up to 40 hours per year allocated for volunteer projects.