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.
Software Engineer (PDLC Tooling + Automation)
$100K - $167K *
Drive efficiency at the intersection of product development and customer engagement by building integrations and automations that empower teams with timely, relevant product knowledge and streamline w...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Governance & Access
$150K - $180K *
Empower our team to build innovative security and governance solutions, shaping access management for both human and agent users. Lead a small, dynamic group as we define architectural foundations and...
1 month ago
$85K - $170K *
Engage in our DevSecOps practice to develop APIs and integrations, ensuring secure systems and effective communication between stakeholders and developers. Contribute to continuous improvement while m...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Servicing & Fulfillment
$166K - $193K *
Lead and mentor a team of engineers while overseeing technical excellence and driving AI innovation in operational systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful features for post-purcha...
Reposted 6 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Innovate the go-to-market systems by building AI agents and infrastructure that drive pipeline efficiency, ensuring seamless integration and reliability across sales and marketing operations...
1 week ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the development of critical firmware for safety-critical systems, collaborating across teams to optimize embedded platforms. Drive best practices and mentor engineers while ensuring reliability a...
1 week ago
Staff Backend Engineer, Internal
$229K - $270K *
Shape the future of backend systems as a technical leader, driving architecture and development for internal pentesting capabilities. Collaborate across teams to enhance data workflows and ensure high...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert post-sales support for complex software and hardware systems. Utilize your skills to proactively identify issues and mentor others while managing criti...
3 days ago
$180K - $200K *
Lead complex technical initiatives, ensuring scalable, secure solutions while mentoring engineers and driving high standards across the software development lifecycle in a remote, collaborative enviro...
6 days ago
$130K - $180K *
Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...
4 weeks ago
Lead Engineer - Customer Application Engineering
$100K - $120K *
Support commercial engineering efforts by generating proposals, process designs, and managing project tasks. Collaborate with sales teams and vendors to enhance project success across various water tr...
1 week ago
Senior Field Engineer, Data Center Design and Engineering
$320K - $405K *
Transform the future of data center engineering by resolving on-site technical issues, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring project success through effective problem-solving and communication...
1 week ago
$96K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to shape innovative fundraising tools that empower progressive campaigns and nonprofits. Leverage modern technologies to enhance election readiness and compliance, while mentoring...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - Marketing Technology
$155K - $197K *
Innovate as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and engineering execution for a global web platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance digital experiences through advanced AI...
1 week ago
Member of Technical Staff, Product & Engineering
$125K - $150K *
Drive AI-native software development by architecting systems, guiding AI agents, and ensuring quality. Collaborate closely with users to transform business needs into reliable, efficient solutions whi...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - Marketing Technology
$140K - $176K *
Engineer innovative solutions as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and technical excellence for a global web platform while enhancing digital customer experiences through advanced AI integr...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead a dynamic engineering pod, ensuring high-quality code delivery while fostering team growth and collaboration. Stay hands-on with development, manage performance, and drive innovation in a fast-pa...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer II, Marketplace Optimization
$142K - $196K *
Innovate and optimize scalable backend systems that drive efficient marketplace decisioning and monetization strategies. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and leverage cutting-edge...
Reposted 3 days ago
Engineering Manager, Core Engineering
$171K - $248K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to enhance infrastructure and networking, driving user-focused product development while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across the organization...
2 weeks ago
$116K - $165K *
Transform your career with a leading role in marine mechanical engineering, overseeing design and integration for commercial and governmental vessels. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure complian...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in transforming concepts into buildable systems by leveraging your expertise in applications engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver precise layouts, cost-effec...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the architectural vision for a federal spectrum data platform, optimizing integration and collaboration across teams to enhance federal spectrum management systems and support critical government...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as a Product Engineer, driving innovative designs and technical solutions for mass production. Collaborate across departments to ensure product excellence and mentor junior enginee...
1 week ago
$140K - $160K *
Unlock potential by driving the evolution of AWS environments and CI/CD pipelines, enhancing observability and security, while collaborating with engineers to optimize platform reliability and perform...
1 week ago
$69K - $107K *
Champion client success by leveraging technical expertise to enhance platform value, optimize workflows, and drive measurable outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative so...
Reposted 5 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.