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.
$143K - $256K *
Unlock the potential of product design by leading transformative initiatives that enhance user experiences across multiple platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and de...
2 days ago
$161K - $222K *
Partner with us to lead transformative design initiatives that shape user experiences across multiple product areas. Collaborate with teams and customers to drive impactful solutions and elevate desig...
3 days ago
Distinguished Software Engineer
$232K - $341K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for enterprise architecture, focusing on AI integration and cloud migration. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex challenges and drive innovat...
3 weeks ago
Senior Backend Software Engineer, Robot Fleet Orchestration
$170K - $200K *
Empower innovation by developing backend software for fleet orchestration, managing tasks, state, and routing for robotic systems in dynamic environments, ensuring timely and efficient operations...
Reposted 2 days ago
Staff Engineer, Team Lead - Core Infrastructure
$172K - $229K *
Build and lead a team to enhance platform testing and support for core infrastructure. Drive technical direction, manage incident response, and ensure software quality across systems, while collaborat...
5 days ago
$126K *
Transform the future of aerospace by leveraging your expertise in aerodynamics for spacecraft entry analyses, utilizing advanced CFD tools, and collaborating with a dynamic team to drive innovative so...
2 weeks ago
$142K *
Drive innovation by applying advanced aerodynamics knowledge to spacecraft entry analyses. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance performance across various flight regimes, utilizing cutting-edge...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of enterprise solutions by leveraging your technical expertise to deliver high-quality Open Text implementations for enterprise clients, ensuring tailored solutio...
4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Metrics and Evaluation - Autonomous Vehicles
$184K - $356K *
Develop metrics and evaluation methodologies to enhance Autonomous Vehicle software. Collaborate across teams to innovate testing strategies and deliver data-driven insights, driving forward cutting-e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director- Model Audit, Build and Transaction Advisory
$150K - $180K *
Partner with us to lead a dynamic model audit team, enhancing financial modelling processes while driving strategic growth and innovation across projects, all while fostering a collaborative and high...
Reposted today
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)
$170K - $205K *
Join a dynamic team to lead AI agent deployments in healthcare. Leverage your software engineering expertise and client-facing skills to drive technical delivery, influence product development, and en...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $138K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $138K *
Lead the charge in deploying and managing complex network installations, ensuring quality control and effective project execution while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors to meet ope...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $138K *
Engineer and oversee site implementations, ensuring quality control and effective project management for network installations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational standard...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering solutions for energy projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure efficient design, execution, and quality assurance throughout all pro...
2 days ago
Director of Engineering, Database Excellence
$230K - $345K *
Lead the charge in database excellence to enhance reliability, performance, and sustainability of GitLab's datastores. Shape long-range strategies while collaborating across teams to drive success in...
Reposted 5 days ago
Energy Analytics Manager, Clean Energy
$110K - $130K *
Transform the renewable energy landscape by managing data portfolios, analyzing project performance, and enhancing financial reporting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic energ...
1 week ago
$148K - $256K *
Shape the future of data engineering by architecting scalable, cloud-native data platforms on Azure and Databricks. Influence the organization’s data practices to leverage AI-driven insights, driving...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Backend Engineer, Licensing
$199K - $235K *
Elevate your career as you design and maintain backend services that manage customer entitlements and usage workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and deliver impa...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$123K - $217K *
Drive your career with impactful cross-functional programs, leading initiatives from planning to launch. Collaborate with diverse teams to navigate complexity, ensuring successful delivery and continu...
Reposted 5 days ago
Power Systems Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Innovate the future of power systems by designing automated tools for transmission planning. Collaborate with engineers to enhance workflows, ensuring reliable results that utilities and developers tr...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager - AEC / MEP / Engineering
$90K - $130K *
Optimize project execution for large-scale infrastructure and data center programs. Lead individual projects from kickoff to closeout, ensuring alignment with program objectives and stakeholder expect...
Today
Manager, Software Engineering - Engineering Tools
$120K - $148K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AEC software by leading engineering talent and enhancing workflows. Drive innovation in Autodesk Revit add-ins and tools while fostering a collaborative enviro...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Digital Workplace Technology Engineering
$180K - $210K *
Join a team that's redefining the digital workplace by leading the design and implementation of next-gen platforms, enhancing collaboration and AI capabilities to drive employee engagement and innovat...
6 days ago
$181K - $242K *
Drive the design and scaling of data pipelines, ensuring seamless data flow from ingestion to analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set technical standards and elevate data infrastruct...
1 week 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.