Setting up AWS SES + Postfix, troubleshooting email delivery issues

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I am looking for an experienced system administrator / DevOps specialist for urgent resolution of issues with the email infrastructure on a VPS server.

Current situation:

• Server: Ubuntu 24.04, DigitalOcean VPS
• Installed: Postfix, Dovecot, NGINX, PHP 8.4, PostgreSQL 16
• Email sending through AWS SES (region eu-north-1)
• Issues with bounce rate, AWS SES account under review
• Diagnosis and elimination of the source of problems needed

Required tasks:

1. Diagnosis of the current situation:

   • Analysis of Postfix logs, AWS SES, system logs
   • Check Postfix/Dovecot configuration
   • Find the source of unwanted email distributions
   • Server security audit

2. AWS SES configuration:

   • Correct SMTP relay configuration through AWS SES
   • Setup DKIM, SPF, DMARC records
   • Setup SNS/webhooks for bounce/complaints
   • Setup Suppression List
   • Optimize sending limits and reputation metrics

3. Postfix security:

   • Protection against being used as an open relay
   • Setup SMTP authentication
   • Correct firewall configuration (ufw/iptables)
   • Rate limiting for outgoing emails

4. Email reception setup:

   • Receiving emails at dynamic addresses (e.g.: order+hash(at)domain)
   • Integration with PHP application for processing incoming emails
   • Setup Dovecot for IMAP/POP3 (if required)

5. Integration with web application:

   • Setup sending through PHP (mail() or SMTP)
   • Check bounce/complaints before sending
   • Log all sends
   • Setup unsubscribe system

Mandatory requirements for the performer:

✅ Experience with:

• AWS SES (configuration, diagnosis, reputation management)
• Postfix + Dovecot (deep understanding of configuration)
• Ubuntu Server / Linux system administration
• DNS (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
• Email deliverability best practices
• Email server security

✅ Technical skills:

• Reading and analyzing system logs
• Debugging SMTP issues
• Working with firewall (ufw/iptables)
• Basic knowledge of PHP (for integration)
• PostgreSQL (basic level)

✅ Work format:

• Willingness to work online (a call before starting is mandatory)
• Quick response to messages (Telegram/WhatsApp)
• Work via remote access (SSH, TeamViewer/AnyDesk if necessary)
• Constant communication during the project execution

✅ Important:

• Experience resolving AWS SES review/suspension issues
• Understanding of email reputation and deliverability
• Willingness for urgent start (within 24 hours)
• Availability during working hours (preferably UTC+2/+3)

What NOT to do:

• Development of new functionality
• Layout or design
• Frontend work

Access to the project:

• SSH access to the server will be provided
• Access to AWS Console (IAM user with limited rights)
• Access to necessary configuration files and PHP code
• Full access to the code is NOT provided (only necessary parts)

Budget:
Fixed payment for the project (discussed individually)
Additional collaboration possible upon positive results.
Preferably do not inflate prices. I will be reaching out often.

Deadline:
Urgent! Preferably start work within 24 hours.

Additionally:
I plan to frequently reach out regarding technical issues of the server and email infrastructure. I am looking for a responsible performer for possible long-term collaboration. Upon successful completion of the project, I consider options for permanent part-time employment.

To respond:
Describe your relevant experience with AWS SES and Postfix, attach examples of similar projects (if any).
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