Performance engineers help software, applications, and digital systems run quickly, reliably, and efficiently. They identify bottlenecks, test performance under real-world conditions, and work with engineering teams to improve speed, scalability, and resilience. Explore vetted Performance Engineer opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
Performance engineers plan and execute load, stress, and scalability tests; analyze system behavior; and turn findings into practical improvements. Depending on the role, they may focus on application response times, infrastructure capacity, database performance, or end-to-end user experience. They often partner with software developers, site reliability engineers, architects, and product teams.
Employers commonly seek experience with performance testing tools, scripting or programming, distributed systems, and cloud platforms. Knowledge of observability, profiling, networking, databases, and CI/CD can also be valuable. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate technical findings help engineers prioritize and deliver measurable improvements. Requirements vary by employer and seniority.
Performance engineering roles are found across technology, financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, and other industries that depend on reliable digital products. Professionals may advance into senior or lead engineering positions, performance architecture, site reliability engineering, or engineering management. Career paths depend on experience, technical specialization, and organizational needs.
Search Ladders for vetted Performance Engineer openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing for responsibilities, required qualifications, compensation details, and work arrangements, then find opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
Application Engineer (Switchgear)
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by bridging sales and engineering as a key technical resource. You'll scope, quote, and support customer needs for low and medium-voltage switchgear solutions, ensuring alignment w...
3 weeks ago
$190K - $267K *
Unlock potential by developing robust software solutions that enhance compliance and security programs. Collaborate across teams to automate processes, streamline workflows, and ensure timely risk man...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$115K - $172K *
Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex data ingestion initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive program delivery, manage risks, and ensure operational excellence while t...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Staff Software Engineer, JavaScript Runtime & Compilers
$171K - $300K *
Lead the optimization of execution engines and memory management systems, ensuring high-performance applications at scale. Collaborate with product owners to deliver quality software while mentoring p...
5 days ago
Performance & Debug Software Engineer - AI Inference
$200K - $300K *
Join a performance-focused team to enhance LLM inference on custom AI accelerators. Drive optimizations across hardware and software, tackling profiling, distributed inference, and architecture improv...
3 days ago
Director of Engineering, Fan Experience
$256K - $302K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to enhance fan experiences across platforms. Collaborate closely with product and design to drive innovation, ensuring high-quality delivery while leveraging AI tools t...
Reposted 2 days ago
Technical Support Engineer, Distributed Infrastructure (D-IT)
$69K - $101K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert technical support for power and connectivity solutions. Engage with customers to troubleshoot and resolve issues, ensuring satisfaction and enhancing p...
5 days ago
$89K - $125K *
Partner with us to integrate new firms into our IT environment, managing Microsoft 365 migrations and Active Directory consolidations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless...
2 weeks ago
$63K - $111K *
Elevate project execution by supporting engineering and construction teams in delivering complex industrial infrastructure projects through technical coordination and quality assurance activities...
2 weeks ago
Senior Java Engineer Event-Driven Capital Markets Systems (Front to Back) x2
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's enhancing enterprise-scale capital markets platforms by designing and maintaining robust Java applications. Collaborate across teams to ensure scalable, resilient systems that suppo...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Engineering Core Services
$208K - $244K *
Accelerate progress at a leading multi-product company by owning the architecture of shared services. Drive innovation in customer identity, commerce, and billing platforms while mentoring senior engi...
1 week ago
$155K - $320K *
Empower designers to create world-class user experiences by bridging design and engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance design systems, ensuring technical feasibil...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform enterprise endpoint capabilities by designing, securing, and automating solutions for diverse users. Collaborate with cybersecurity and support teams to ensure effective deployment and lifec...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of battery energy storage analysis. You'll analyze performance data, enhance system efficiency, and collaborate with engineering and project teams to drive improvem...
3 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Observability Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team focused on observability. Drive technical roadmaps, enhance platform reliability, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as an Estimator, analyzing costs and preparing competitive estimates for construction projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure accuracy and efficiency while driving project suc...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join our data team to build robust systems that transform transport data into actionable insights, driving innovative solutions in freight intelligence. Utilize your engineering and analytical skills...
Reposted 2 days ago
Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Central Growth
$175K - $210K *
Innovate and lead the technical vision for large-scale product systems, driving cross-functional initiatives and engineering excellence while mentoring teams to enhance growth and impact across multip...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Platform Team
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving distributed systems that enhance research and trading workflows, ensuring reliability and scalability across cloud and on-premises environments while collabor...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate quality assurance by collaborating with developers to enhance test processes, automate testing, and ensure robust coverage in a fast-paced, agile environment. Become a trusted authority in QA...
1 week ago
$90K - $189K *
Elevate your career as a Test Engineer, driving quality assurance for enterprise IT services. Collaborate with teams to implement automated testing frameworks, ensuring high standards and seamless int...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Design Systems
$200K - $250K *
Empower our Design Systems team by building and maintaining essential UI components. Your expertise in frontend development and AI will enhance product efficiency and accessibility, driving innovation...
2 days ago
Engineering Manager, Software Engineering (Java Backend)
$120K - $170K *
Join a team that's transforming digital services for Veterans by leading a skilled engineering group. You'll balance hands-on technical leadership with mentoring, driving the development of scalable J...
5 days ago
Staff Attack Engineer, External
$238K - $280K *
Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $130K *
Optimize marketing workflows by building AI agents and automated systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance CRM and lifecycle automation, focusing on performance marketing and organic growth through i...
Reposted yesterday
What is a Performance Engineer?
A Performance Engineer evaluates and improves the speed, capacity, stability, and efficiency of software and systems. The work often includes performance testing, identifying bottlenecks, analyzing results, and collaborating on fixes.
What does a Performance Engineer do day to day?
Typical responsibilities include designing load and stress tests, monitoring application and infrastructure behavior, investigating slowdowns, profiling code or services, and sharing recommendations with engineering teams. Duties vary by company and specialization.
What skills are useful for Performance Engineer jobs?
Useful skills may include performance testing, programming or scripting, systems and distributed architecture, cloud platforms, databases, observability, and data analysis. Employers may also value experience with CI/CD and clear technical communication.
Where do Performance Engineers work?
Performance Engineers work in industries that rely on digital services, including technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, and e-commerce. They may focus on applications, platforms, infrastructure, or end-to-end user experience.
How can I find Performance Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Performance Engineer listings on Ladders and review each posting for salary, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangements. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.