PostgreSQL Database CPU at 100% - Need Quick Diagnostic & Fix Recommendations
I'm looking for an experienced PostgreSQL admin to diagnose why our database is maxing out CPU and provide a quick fix or clear recommendations.
The Problem
Our PostgreSQL database hits 100% CPU every day during business hours (10am-4pm EST). When this happens:
Web application becomes extremely slow
Users can't complete transactions
Sometimes the app becomes completely unresponsive
We're losing customers because of poor performance
What I Need You To Do
Scope of work (2-3 hours max):
SSH into our Ubuntu server (credentials provided immediately)
Run diagnostics to identify the root cause
Find which queries are killing performance
Check for missing indexes or configuration issues
Either:
Implement ONE critical fix that gives us immediate relief, OR
Give me step-by-step instructions to implement the fix myself
Provide a brief summary (even just bullets) of what you found
What This Is NOT
I want to be upfront about budget constraints:
❌ This is NOT a full database optimization project
❌ NOT looking for monitoring/alerting setup
❌ NOT migrating to RDS or managed services right now
❌ NOT ongoing support or retainer
I know we need a comprehensive fix eventually, but right now I need emergency triage to stop the bleeding.
Our Current Setup
Database:
PostgreSQL 14.x
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
AWS EC2 t3.medium instance
Database size: ~50GB
pg_stat_statements is enabled
Application:
Node.js/Express backend
~500-1000 concurrent users during peak
Mix of read and write operations
Access:
SSH access ready to go
Can provide read-only OR full database access (your choice)
Willing to hop on a quick call if needed
Ideal Freelancer
You're a good fit if you:
Have solved PostgreSQL CPU issues before (please share similar experience)
Can work independently and move fast
Know how to use pg_stat_statements, EXPLAIN ANALYZE, and index optimization
Can communicate findings clearly to a non-DBA
Are comfortable with Linux command line
You're NOT a good fit if you:
Need extensive onboarding or hand-holding
Will just recommend we "upgrade our server" or "hire a full-time DBA"
Can't start within 24-48 hours
Timeline & Budget
Budget: $100 fixed price
Timeline: ASAP - ideally today or tomorrow
Expected duration: 2-3 hours of actual work
Deliverables
Brief diagnostic report (can be informal - even a detailed message works)
What's causing the CPU spike
Which queries are the worst offenders
Any obvious issues you spotted
Quick fix OR instructions
Either implement one critical improvement, OR
Give me clear steps to do it myself
Quick validation
Confirmation that CPU has dropped or issue is reduced
To Apply, Please Answer:
Have you solved this exact problem before? (Please be specific - what was the root cause in past cases?)
What's the FIRST thing you'll check when you log in?
Realistically, how long will this take you?
Can you start today/tomorrow?
Preferred Qualifications
✅ PostgreSQL performance tuning
✅ Query optimization & indexing strategies
✅ Experience with pg_stat_statements
✅ Linux/Ubuntu administration
✅ AWS EC2 familiarity (nice to have)
Additional Information
I'm a technical founder who can implement recommendations myself if you give clear instructions. I understand databases at a basic level but don't have deep PostgreSQL expertise.
If this goes well and provides value, I'd be open to hiring you again for the full optimization project once we have more budget.
Please don't apply if you're going to tell me the only solution is a $5k database redesign. I need practical help within the $100 budget.
Apply Now
Apply Now
The Problem
Our PostgreSQL database hits 100% CPU every day during business hours (10am-4pm EST). When this happens:
Web application becomes extremely slow
Users can't complete transactions
Sometimes the app becomes completely unresponsive
We're losing customers because of poor performance
What I Need You To Do
Scope of work (2-3 hours max):
SSH into our Ubuntu server (credentials provided immediately)
Run diagnostics to identify the root cause
Find which queries are killing performance
Check for missing indexes or configuration issues
Either:
Implement ONE critical fix that gives us immediate relief, OR
Give me step-by-step instructions to implement the fix myself
Provide a brief summary (even just bullets) of what you found
What This Is NOT
I want to be upfront about budget constraints:
❌ This is NOT a full database optimization project
❌ NOT looking for monitoring/alerting setup
❌ NOT migrating to RDS or managed services right now
❌ NOT ongoing support or retainer
I know we need a comprehensive fix eventually, but right now I need emergency triage to stop the bleeding.
Our Current Setup
Database:
PostgreSQL 14.x
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
AWS EC2 t3.medium instance
Database size: ~50GB
pg_stat_statements is enabled
Application:
Node.js/Express backend
~500-1000 concurrent users during peak
Mix of read and write operations
Access:
SSH access ready to go
Can provide read-only OR full database access (your choice)
Willing to hop on a quick call if needed
Ideal Freelancer
You're a good fit if you:
Have solved PostgreSQL CPU issues before (please share similar experience)
Can work independently and move fast
Know how to use pg_stat_statements, EXPLAIN ANALYZE, and index optimization
Can communicate findings clearly to a non-DBA
Are comfortable with Linux command line
You're NOT a good fit if you:
Need extensive onboarding or hand-holding
Will just recommend we "upgrade our server" or "hire a full-time DBA"
Can't start within 24-48 hours
Timeline & Budget
Budget: $100 fixed price
Timeline: ASAP - ideally today or tomorrow
Expected duration: 2-3 hours of actual work
Deliverables
Brief diagnostic report (can be informal - even a detailed message works)
What's causing the CPU spike
Which queries are the worst offenders
Any obvious issues you spotted
Quick fix OR instructions
Either implement one critical improvement, OR
Give me clear steps to do it myself
Quick validation
Confirmation that CPU has dropped or issue is reduced
To Apply, Please Answer:
Have you solved this exact problem before? (Please be specific - what was the root cause in past cases?)
What's the FIRST thing you'll check when you log in?
Realistically, how long will this take you?
Can you start today/tomorrow?
Preferred Qualifications
✅ PostgreSQL performance tuning
✅ Query optimization & indexing strategies
✅ Experience with pg_stat_statements
✅ Linux/Ubuntu administration
✅ AWS EC2 familiarity (nice to have)
Additional Information
I'm a technical founder who can implement recommendations myself if you give clear instructions. I understand databases at a basic level but don't have deep PostgreSQL expertise.
If this goes well and provides value, I'd be open to hiring you again for the full optimization project once we have more budget.
Please don't apply if you're going to tell me the only solution is a $5k database redesign. I need practical help within the $100 budget.
Apply Now
Apply Now