We are looking for a developer with strong SQL skills for a 3-week project focused on performance tuning. The task is to analyze and optimize several slow-running queries in a client's PostgreSQL database. You will use query analysis tools, rewrite inefficient SQL, and suggest appropriate indexing strategies to improve response times. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys diving deep into database performance and has a good understanding of query execution plans. You will work closely with the backend team to implement and test your optimizations.

This is a performance-focused project designed to address specific bottlenecks in a production database. The client has identified a handful of critical database queries that are performing poorly under load. Your responsibility will be to diagnose the root cause of the performance issues and implement effective solutions.

Your Process Will Involve:

• Receiving a list of slow queries from the client's monitoring tools.
• Using tools like EXPLAIN ANALYZE to inspect the query execution plans and identify inefficiencies (e.g., full table scans, poor join strategies).
• Analyzing the existing table structures and indexing.
• Proposing and implementing optimizations, which could include:
  • Rewriting the SQL queries to be more efficient.
  • Adding new indexes to speed up lookups and joins.
  • Suggesting minor schema modifications if necessary.
• Benchmarking the queries before and after your changes to measure the performance improvement.
• Documenting your findings and the rationale for each optimization.

To succeed in this project, you must have a solid grasp of how relational databases execute queries and how indexes work. You should be comfortable reading and interpreting execution plans and have a knack for finding creative ways to rewrite queries for better performance. This is a high-impact role where your work will be directly visible in improved application speed and user experience.

• Strong proficiency in SQL.
• Experience with PostgreSQL or a similar relational database.
• Understanding of database indexing and query execution plans.
• Ability to use database analysis tools (e.g., EXPLAIN).
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Work on a challenging and rewarding performance optimization task.
• Gain practical experience with database tuning and analysis.
• Deliver a clear, measurable improvement to a production system.
• Flexible, remote work arrangement.