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.
Staff Systems Engineer - Architecture & Interfaces
$165K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining avionics systems engineering by translating customer needs into innovative architectures and requirements. Collaborate across domains to deliver high-quality solutions in...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer (Remote)
$151K - $189K *
Lead platform engineering initiatives, driving technical strategy and delivery across diverse projects. Collaborate with clients to architect scalable solutions, ensuring high-quality outcomes while m...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Empower your career by leading the Aircraft Engineering team in developing and certifying innovative connectivity systems for commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while f...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Drive impactful design solutions for developer tools, collaborating closely with engineers and PMs. Own workflows from discovery to delivery, enhancing user experiences and contributing to a robust de...
2 weeks ago
Manager - Software Development Engineering S 4D
$80K - $100K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic project initiatives while fostering a cultur...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a hands-on architect, building resilient data pipelines that connect legacy and cloud systems to empower advanced analytics, data science, and AI initiatives within a dynamic...
Reposted 5 days ago
Enterprise Sales Engineer - New York
$120K - $145K *
Partner with us to drive technical sales success by leveraging your expertise in cloud and container technologies. Cultivate relationships, conduct demos, and secure wins while collaborating with our...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform organizational change by leading client engagements, developing tailored OCM plans, and ensuring user adoption with minimal disruption. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive successful chan...
1 week ago
$108K - $157K *
Optimize data-driven strategies by transforming raw analytics into actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance marketplace dynamics and drive measurable business outcomes i...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform manufacturing by identifying and deploying innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate across teams to solve real-world challenges and drive measurable improveme...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Program Manager, Application Security
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in transforming enterprise security implementations into measurable success. Drive customer outcomes, manage complex programs, and build trusted relationships with executives to ensure...
1 week ago
Backend Platform Engineer - Hapiko
$136K - $182K *
Drive the development of a cutting-edge voice-activated sticker printer, ensuring robust backend systems, real-time connections, and scalable infrastructure while maintaining safety and performance st...
1 week ago
Product Manager - Learning & Enablement
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming enablement by designing world-class onboarding programs that enhance new hire productivity and knowledge, employing innovative, hands-on training methods and AI-driven...
Reposted today
Member of Technical Staff (Software Engineer, GPU Cluster Infrastructure)
$150K - $180K *
Transform our GPU infrastructure into a seamless, self-serve platform for researchers and engineers, ensuring efficient job scheduling, robust reliability, and consistent performance across multiple c...
Reposted 1 week ago
$121K - $173K *
Shape the future of risk management by developing secure, scalable systems to combat fraud and enhance compliance. Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to drive innovative solutions that...
Reposted 2 days ago
$125K - $160K *
Inspire innovation as a Data Engineer, architecting robust data platforms and pipelines in Databricks. Collaborate with teams to enhance data solutions, ensuring performance and scalability while driv...
1 week ago
Software Engineering Manager, Enterprise
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate enterprise engineering initiatives by leading a dynamic team to deliver tailored solutions, manage priorities, and drive technical excellence in a fast-paced environment focused on customer...
3 days ago
Senior Aerospace Estimation Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Transform customer specifications into precise, competitive quotes. Collaborate across engineering, operations, and sales to enhance pricing strategies and improve win rates while ensuring profitabili...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Client Group
$230K - $250K *
Innovate with us to lead a talented engineering team, driving technical strategy and cross-functional collaboration. Shape impactful systems in billing and enrollment while fostering a culture of owne...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $190K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative electrical solutions. Leverage your expertise to support sales and operations, ensuring compliance and reliability in complex projects while mento...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the modernization of HPC infrastructure, enhancing simulation-driven product development and optimizing engineering productivity across diverse environments and accounts...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate customer success by leading data migrations from legacy systems to a cutting-edge platform, ensuring accuracy and repeatability through effective data transformation and engineering practic...
Reposted today
Senior Application Advisor (Epic Cadence)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing our Epic systems as a Senior Application Advisor, guiding a dedicated team in enhancing patient access and delivering exceptional service to clients while fostering colla...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Data Engineer - Data Platform
$130K - $160K *
Champion the migration to a modern Databricks lakehouse, designing robust data pipelines and ensuring data quality. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics capabilities and set technical standards...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Developer Platform (DevEx)
$157K - $224K *
Champion the evolution of developer tooling and CI/CD pipelines, leading a global team to enhance operational efficiency and drive platform modernization for a multi-tenant SaaS environment, ensuring...
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.