PostgreSQL That Stays Fast When the Data Grows
Most databases are fast at launch and slow at scale. I design schemas with growth in mind, optimise queries with EXPLAIN ANALYZE evidence, and run migrations that never take down production.
- Sub-10ms p99 query latency through targeted indexing
- Zero-downtime migrations on live production databases
- Supabase RLS policies that enforce security at the database layer
- AWS RDS Multi-AZ for 99.9% uptime with automated failover
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<10ms
p99 query latency achieved on production PostgreSQL databases through targeted indexing and query rewrites
99.9%
Uptime across production PostgreSQL deployments — AWS RDS Multi-AZ with automated failover
40%
Query performance improvement on an existing production database after indexing and EXPLAIN ANALYZE work
4+
Years designing and maintaining production PostgreSQL schemas in FinTech, SaaS, and enterprise products
PostgreSQL Expertise
What I Build With PostgreSQL
Not just tables and queries. Production-grade database layers that stay fast, stay secure, and evolve without downtime.
Schema Design & Data Modelling
Normalised schemas that don't become a nightmare to query six months later. Third normal form where it matters, denormalisation where performance demands it. Every FK, constraint, and index justified.
Query Optimisation
EXPLAIN ANALYZE, index-only scans, partial indexes, covering indexes, CTE optimisation, and query rewrites. I find the slow queries, I identify why they're slow, and I fix them — with before/after numbers.
Supabase & Row-Level Security
RLS policies that enforce access control at the database layer without an ORM middleware layer. Auth integration, anonymous roles, service-role separation — the security model Supabase was designed for.
Migrations & Schema Evolution
Zero-downtime migrations on live production databases. Rolling schema changes, column additions, index builds CONCURRENTLY, and reversible migrations. No 3am maintenance windows.
AWS RDS & Managed Deployments
Multi-AZ RDS for PostgreSQL, read replicas, automated backups, parameter groups, and CloudWatch monitoring. Production-ready infrastructure that wakes no one up at midnight.
Full-Text Search & Advanced Features
tsvector full-text search, JSONB storage and indexing, window functions, recursive CTEs, and materialized views. When the ORM hits its ceiling, raw SQL delivers.
Why Hire Me
The Difference Between a Database Developer and a Database Engineer
Anyone can create a table. The gap shows when you hit 10M rows, a complex access control model, or a schema that needs to change without downtime.
I read EXPLAIN ANALYZE, not guesses
Every optimisation starts with EXPLAIN ANALYZE output. I look at seq scans, hash joins, nested loops, and cost estimates — not assumptions. The fix follows the evidence.
Security at the database layer, not just the app
RLS policies, least-privilege roles, no superuser in production, secrets never in queries. The database is the last line of defence — I treat it that way.
Schema decisions that age well
The JOIN that's fast today can table-scan a 50M-row table in six months. I design schemas with growth in mind — partition strategies, archive tables, and indexes on columns that will be filtered on.
ORM-fluent, raw-SQL comfortable
Prisma, Drizzle, TypeORM — I know when the ORM abstraction is fine and when raw SQL is the right tool. You don't need to choose between developer ergonomics and database performance.
Common Questions
Before You Reach Out
The questions every client asks — answered honestly.
How much does hiring a PostgreSQL developer cost?
For a scoped engagement — schema design, a query optimisation audit, or a migration project — I quote a fixed price after reviewing the brief. Ongoing database work runs on a retainer. I'll send written numbers within 24 hours.
Can you optimise an existing production database?
Yes — and this is one of the most common requests I get. Share your slow query log, schema, and table sizes. I'll run an audit, identify the highest-impact problems, and scope the fix. No unnecessary rebuilds.
Do you work with Supabase or only self-hosted PostgreSQL?
Both. Supabase is my primary deployment target for new projects — the RLS model, Auth integration, and edge functions make it excellent for SaaS. For clients with existing AWS infrastructure, I deploy PostgreSQL on RDS Multi-AZ.
Can you handle zero-downtime schema migrations?
Yes. Adding columns with defaults, building indexes CONCURRENTLY, renaming with view aliases — I know the patterns that avoid table locks on live traffic. If a migration has unavoidable downtime, I'll tell you upfront.
Do you write raw SQL or use an ORM?
Prisma for schema management and standard queries — the type safety and migration tooling are excellent. Raw SQL for complex analytics, recursive queries, window functions, or anything where the ORM generates inefficient plans.
How do you handle database backups and disaster recovery?
On AWS RDS: automated daily snapshots, point-in-time recovery, and cross-region replica for DR. On Supabase: built-in daily backups plus periodic manual exports for critical data. I document the recovery procedure, not just the backup.
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Ready to hire a PostgreSQL developer who reads EXPLAIN ANALYZE?
Send your brief. I'll reply within 24 hours with a written proposal — scope, timeline, and price. No discovery calls until you've seen the numbers.