Principal Engineer, OpenSearch

We are seeking a Principal Engineer to build the next generation of OpenSearchs Search Engine based on Lucene. You will architect and build the next generation Search engine with focus on nextgen Lucene capabilities in core search and vector search. This role requires modernizing the Search engine to enable performant query processing for high scale semantic search workloads and liaising with Lucene innovations for search processing and search relevance.

OpenSearch is a community-driven Apache 2.0-licensed open source search and analytics suite based on Apache Lucene. Since launching in July 2021 we have released multiple major and minor versions with innovations in core search capabilities. Our next phase focuses on transforming the query engine architecture to meet the evolving needs of customers running search and analytics workloads.



Key job responsibilities
You will lead technical strategy and execution for OpenSearchs core query engine working directly with the open source community and AWS customers. Your responsibilities include:
Technical Leadership: Define the technical vision and roadmap for the next generation query engine. Make architectural decisions that balance performance cost efficiency and extensibility across multiple data formats and execution engines.
Hands-On Development: Write code and design systems that process queries across federated data sources. Build messaging and streaming protocols optimized for high-throughput data transfer. Contribute to the Apache Lucene-based search infrastructure.
Community Engagement: Collaborate with the OpenSearch open source community to gather requirements review contributions and ensure we build solutions that address real customer problems. Engage with AWS customers to understand their search and analytics workloads.
Team Development: Mentor engineers on distributed systems design query optimization and open source development practices. Elevate the technical capabilities of the team through code reviews design reviews and knowledge sharing.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with teams across AWS to integrate OpenSearch query capabilities into broader data and analytics solutions. Work with product teams to translate customer needs into technical requirements.


About the team
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We have ten employee-led affinity groups reaching 40000 employees in over 190 chapters globally. We have innovative benefit offerings and host annual and ongoing learning experiences including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences. Amazons culture of inclusion is reinforced within our 14 Leadership Principles which remind team members to seek diverse perspectives learn and be curious and earn trust.

Work/Life Balance
Our team puts a high value on work-life balance. It isnt about how many hours you spend at home or at work; its about the flow you establish that brings energy to both parts of your life. We believe striking the right balance between your personal and professional life is critical to life-long happiness and fulfillment. We offer flexibility in working hours and encourage you to find your own balance between your work and personal lives.


Basic qualifications

* 10 years of relevant engineering experience
* Experience in partnering with product and program management teams
* Experience developing and executing a software roadmap
* Deep hands-on technical expertise in software design and development
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Proficiency in Java C RUST or similar systems programming languages



Preferred qualifications

* Masters in Computer Science or related field
* Experience as a contributor to open source software
* Experience with query engines and complex distributed systems
* Experience working on the search stack with Elasticsearch Lucene or Solr
* Proven experience building query engines that support SQL NoSQL or domain-specific query languages
* Deep understanding of data structures algorithms and optimization techniques for query execution
* Knowledge of streaming architectures and high-performance messaging protocols (e.g. gRPC Apache Kafka Apache Arrow)
* Ability to influence technical decisions across organizational boundaries
* Success mentoring senior engineers and elevating team technical capabilities



Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status disability or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process including support for the interview or onboarding process please visit for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt listed please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience qualifications and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical dental vision prescription Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans EAP Mental Health Support Medical Advice Line Flexible Spending Accounts Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage) 401(k) matching paid time off and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at WA Bellevue - 200100.00 - 270600.00 USD annually