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.
Senior Motion Planning Engineer - Safety-Layer
$172K - $229K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced motion planning algorithms for autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety and performance through rigorous design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration in dynam...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Optimize and integrate the manufacturing process for hazardous materials, taking ownership from design through commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $139K *
Unlock your creative potential as a Senior Designer, leading impactful projects across branding, presentations, and campaigns. Collaborate with a dynamic team to craft compelling visual narratives tha...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Global Product Manager, Enabling Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Lead strategic product initiatives in advanced surgical technologies, driving development and commercialization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance orthopedic outcomes and proc...
4 weeks ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Champion innovative solutions by designing and implementing core platform features, driving the transition to microservices, and collaborating across teams to enhance scalability and flexibility in Io...
3 weeks ago
Associate Staff Engineer - INFOR M3 Technical Consultant
$90K - $110K *
Contribute to seamless enterprise integrations by designing and developing Infor M3 solutions. Leverage your expertise in Infor OS, ION, and APIs to enhance data exchange across applications and suppo...
3 weeks ago
Senior Backend Engineer, Admin Experience
$199K - $235K *
Champion the development of secure backend services and APIs, enhancing user administration capabilities. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliable, high-quality software while mentoring peers and d...
6 days ago
$149K - $235K *
Innovate high-quality AI experiences by collaborating across teams to enhance product quality and user trust. Drive adoption and growth through scalable solutions, while mentoring peers and improving...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Front End (Library of Congress)
$100K - $135K *
Shape the future of digital services by developing user-centric applications and enhancing software engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions for fe...
Reposted 5 days ago
Principal Engineer - Design Services
$87K - $135K *
Lead complex civil engineering projects, overseeing planning, design, and maintenance of municipal systems. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to ensure project success while developing entry-lev...
1 week ago
$195K - $230K *
Drive growth by leading go-to-market strategies for TMC partnerships, building and executing plans from the ground up. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence product development and represent the...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform the future of gameplay by developing custom Unreal Engine tools that enhance team workflows and accelerate content creation across disciplines. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovat...
2 days ago
$84K - $105K *
Deliver exceptional client engagement by managing project success, assessing needs, and developing strategic plans. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure timely and budget-compliant implementations wh...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Containers
$157K - $184K *
Engineer and elevate our core product by developing innovative features, tools, and infrastructure while collaborating closely with a dedicated team to maintain high-quality standards and drive techni...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Join a team that's redefining assessment experiences by designing and building scalable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful products that enhance learning...
2 days ago
$120K - $130K *
Drive the design and implementation of complex software solutions, providing technical leadership and mentorship. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system architecture and ensure high...
1 week ago
$100K - $175K *
Drive innovative technology solutions by leading Agile project management efforts, fostering client relationships, and guiding teams through the complete solution delivery lifecycle to ensure successf...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Systems Triage (Metrics & Analysis)
$160K - $193K *
Lead a team to develop metrics and analysis tools that enhance decision-making for autonomous driving software. Engage in hands-on data analysis, manage workflows, and drive insights to improve system...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, System Performance Analytics
$200K - $275K *
Lead the development of off-board AI evaluation frameworks to optimize safety and performance for autonomous vehicles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable systems and enhance di...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate data-driven strategies by leading Business Intelligence initiatives, enhancing data flow, and collaborating across teams to unlock growth opportunities and inform decision-making through acti...
6 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Drive the design, deployment, and maintenance of cloud infrastructure, enhancing developer experience and operational reliability. Collaborate on CI/CD improvements and lead small-scale projects while...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Deployed Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...
3 weeks ago
$300K - $500K *
Champion innovation by architecting and developing high-performance, real-time trading web apps. Leverage your expertise to enhance user experience and drive product evolution in a dynamic, collaborat...
1 week ago
$90K - $120K *
Transform operational excellence in service tools and supplies by leading cross-functional teams to enhance performance, compliance, and customer satisfaction while managing budgets and driving contin...
2 days ago
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.