Senior Software Engineer (PostgreSQL Specialist)

Applause is a tech startup focused on delivering high-quality software products. They are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer (PostgreSQL Specialist) to design and implement a robust data architecture, ensuring database performance and scalability to support product growth.

Responsibilities:

• Own the design, structure, and optimization of all PostgreSQL databases across the platform
• Implement indexing, partitioning, caching, and query optimization strategies to improve performance and reliability
• Work cross-functionally to architect and evolve data models that support new features while maintaining efficiency and data integrity
• Collaborate with the backend engineering team to ensure backend services integrate seamlessly with database systems
• Monitor and tune database performance using metrics and profiling tools
• Develop, test, and release backend code that meets Applause's high engineering standards, delivering 90%+ on-time releases
• Establish and document conventions and best practices for working with data and backend services
• Lead backend initiatives from concept to release—providing technical direction, mentorship, and quality oversight

Requirements:

• 7-12 years of backend engineering experience
• 5+ years of production experience with PostgreSQL (including advanced indexing, schema design, and performance tuning)
• Strong knowledge of scaling databases in a high-traffic SaaS environment
• Proficiency with Node.js or a comparable backend environment
• Experience with query optimization, replication, partitioning, and migrations
• High personal standards for code quality, documentation, and maintainability
• Thrives in a fully remote, fast-moving startup environment
• Experience with database observability tools (e.g., pg_stat_statements, pganalyze, New Relic) or infrastructure-as-code tools for database management