Senior Software Engineer (PostgreSQL Specialist)

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.

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.
• Bonus: Experience with database observability tools (e.g., pg_stat_statements, pganalyze, New Relic) or infrastructure-as-code tools for database management.

Benefits

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