Senior Software Engineer (PostgreSQL Specialist) at Applause
United States
<p>The Senior Backend Engineer (PostgreSQL Specialist) will work closely with our Lead Developer & Co-Founder to design and implement a world-class data architecture. You’ll be responsible for ensuring our database and backend systems scale smoothly, remain performant under heavy load, and align with product growth.</p><p>Responsibilities:</p><ul><li>Own the design, structure, and optimization of all PostgreSQL databases across the platform.</li><li>Implement indexing, partitioning, caching, and query optimization strategies to improve performance and reliability.</li><li>Work cross-functionally to architect and evolve data models that support new features while maintaining efficiency and data integrity.</li><li>Collaborate with the backend engineering team to ensure backend services integrate seamlessly with database systems.</li><li>Monitor and tune database performance using metrics and profiling tools.</li><li>Develop, test, and release backend code that meets Applause’s high engineering standards, delivering 90%+ on-time releases.</li><li>Establish and document conventions and best practices for working with data and backend services.</li><li>Lead backend initiatives from concept to release—providing technical direction, mentorship, and quality oversight.</li></ul> <ul><li>7–12 years of backend engineering experience.</li><li>5+ years of production experience with PostgreSQL (including advanced indexing, schema design, and performance tuning).</li><li>Strong knowledge of scaling databases in a high-traffic SaaS environment.</li><li>Proficiency with Node.js or a comparable backend environment.</li><li>Experience with query optimization, replication, partitioning, and migrations.</li><li>High personal standards for code quality, documentation, and maintainability.</li><li>Thrives in a fully remote, fast-moving startup environment.</li><li>Bonus: Experience with database observability tools (e.g., pg_stat_statements, pganalyze, New Relic) or infrastructure-as-code tools for database management.</li></ul> <p>100% remote w/ no office mandate | Unlimited PTO | 20 official company holidays | Health care | Life insurance | Stock options | Amazing colleagues | Energetic culture that is positive and celebrates together | Inspiring mission & software product | Ability to grow your career by being early in a fast-growing tech startup | Ability to ship a lot of new features and make a real impact</p>
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