Senior Database Performance Engineer - Remote

Job Description

The Performance and Scale team ensures our systems remain fast, reliable, and efficient as we grow. We’re looking for a Sr. Database Performance Engineer to identify and fix slow MySQL queries across our Rails monolith, improving application responsiveness and overall system performance. In this role, you’ll take ownership of known database performance issues, use Datadog and other profiling tools to uncover high-impact optimization opportunities, and address underlying inefficiencies in query patterns or application logic. Over time, this position will expand to include performance and scalability work across other data systems such as TiDB, Elasticache, and Opensearch—directly improving user experience, enabling infrastructure efficiency, and reducing operational costs.

We're looking for someone who has built highly performant OLTP systems, who fully understands the importance and impact of efficient MySQL at scale, and who knows how to identify and focus on the areas that will have the most impact. You should be a Rails wizard who understands all the subtleties of generating performant MySQL using ActiveRecord. You should have a passion for database efficiency!

Responsibilities

• Work hands-on to identify, analyze, and resolve slow ActiveRecord queries across the Rails monolith
• Optimize query performance through indexing, query rewriting, and schema improvements
• Collaborate with DBAs and other technical teams to diagnose and remediate database bottlenecks
• Validate all performance improvements through testing, and performance measurement at high load
• Use Datadog to analyze query performance and identify high-impact optimization opportunities
• Implement selective caching in Redis where appropriate to reduce database load
• Document findings and share best practices for performant query design
• Contribute to long-term performance and scalability efforts across MySQL, TiDB, Elasticache, and Opensearch

Qualifications

• Deep expertise with Ruby on Rails, able to craft elegant and minimal solutions to complex problems
• Deep expertise with ActiveRecord MySQL query optimization — must go way beyond standard ActiveRecord use
• Strong understanding of SQL execution and query optimization at the engine level
• 6–10+ years of professional experience (senior level)
• Proven ability to read, understand, and improve complex application code across large systems
• Experience tuning queries, adding indexes, and interpreting execution plans
• Comfortable partnering with DBAs and other technical teams to debug and resolve performance issues
• Clear communicator who’s unafraid to ask questions or seek domain input when needed
• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with alternative database technologies such as TiDB, Elasticache, Opensearch, or DynamoDB
• Direct experience moving a Rails application to TiDB would be a huge plus
• Opinions and practical experience regarding when to choose one database technology over another
• Experience with query analysis and performance tooling (e.g., Datadog, Looker, K6)
• Experience with large-scale data migrations, and tools for doing this (e.g. gh-ost)
• Familiarity with the AWS ecosystem

What Success Looks Like

• Methodically identify, fix, and validate known slow queries across the Rails monolith, demonstrating measurable performance improvements
• Use Datadog to surface additional slow or inefficient queries, and partner with DBAs and the team to prioritize which to address next
• Navigate performance work that overlaps with our ongoing TiDB implementation, balancing short-term optimizations with long-term architectural goals
• In some cases, determine that issues are not query-related and instead require caching (Redis) or application logic changes, coordinating with code owners as needed
• Demonstrate clear, data-driven improvements in overall database health and responsiveness during peak usage and high-load jobs

Additional Information

Location: Flexible/Remote (within the US)

Great compensation package plus extensive benefits, including:

• 100% Remote (must be in US)
• Base salary per year (paid semi-monthly)
• Fast- paced and professional work culture
• Stock options with standard startup vesting - 1 year cliff; 4 years total
• $50 monthly communication expense stipend to go towards your phone/internet bill
• $250 stipend to enhance your WFH setup
• Reimbursement for peripheral equipment: monitor (up to $400), keyboard and mouse (up to $200)
• Premium medical benefits including vision and dental (100% coverage for employees)
• Company-sponsored life and disability insurance
• Paid parental bonding leave
• Paid sick leave, jury duty, bereavement
• 401k plan
• Flexible Time Off (our team members typically take off ~3-4 weeks per year)
• Volunteer Time Off
• 13 scheduled holidays
• 2x / year in-person team meet-ups (2-3 days, company paid)

Salary Range: $175,000 - 190,000

PayNearMe strives to create a workplace where all employees thrive. Our core values represent who we are today and we take pride in the way we work with each other as well as with our stakeholders.

We’re in this together to do the right thing. We deliver real results we are proud of while remaining respectful, transparent, and flexible.

PayNearMe is an equal opportunity employer. We are diligently and thoughtfully working towards cultivating a diverse workforce which in turn, enhances our products and services for the communities we serve. Applicants who represent all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

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