Requirements

You have deep knowledge of Java internals and JVM memory management. You understand how concurrency models work. You can write code that is high-performance, thread-safe, and lock-free. This experience includes working with large open-source and enterprise codebases.
You have proven experience in profiling and optimizing distributed systems. This includes deep experience with benchmarking tools (e.g.,flamegraphs, JMH, Rally), identifying performance regressions, and implementing algorithmic or hardware-aware optimizations.
You have a solid comprehension of distributed systems architecture, including partition tolerance, cluster state propagation, and scaling challenges in large-scale data stores.
You have a proven track record of using AI or advanced tooling to accelerate optimization, debug complex performance issues, and automate benchmarking workflows.
You possess the ability to collaborate across functions and teams, acting as a force multiplier for performance engineering across the organization.
You can work autonomously, drive decisions and result in a distributed team by leveraging asynchronous, direct, and transparent communication.

Nice to Haves

Experience integrating high-performance native libraries (e.g., C++, Rust, SIMD-accelerated code) into Java applications.
Deep knowledge of modern storage engine performance, index modes, or vector search optimizations.
Experience defining and managing Performance SLAs and success criteria for distributed systems.
Experience working on the internals of a large-scale data store or search engine.
Experience working on the internals of a data store or search engine.

Owning core performance engineering initiatives from architecture to production, focusing on the delivery of high-impact optimizations. Leading the technical design, plan, and execution for major architectural and code-level performance improvements.
Developing foundational performance models and methodologies for complex, distributed systems.
Driving optimization strategies to ensure Elasticsearch remains performant, predictable, and scalable in diverse environments.
Profiling and analyzing system behavior to identify bottlenecks in logging, metrics, vector search, and ES|QL.
Ensuring robust performance benchmarks and regression detection for both stateful and stateless (Serverless) architectures.
Collaborating across the company to embed performance-first thinking into new features from the outset.
Drive automation efforts by designing and building AI-assisted optimization harnesses that streamline profiling, hypothesis testing, and benchmarking.
Mentoring and coaching other engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and performance-aware development.

Competitive pay based on the work you do here and not your previous salary.
Health coverage for you and your family in many locations.
Ability to craft your calendar with flexible locations and schedules for many roles.
Generous number of vacation days each year.
Increase your impact - We match up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service.
Up to 40 hours each year to use toward volunteer projects you love.
Embracing parenthood with a minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave.