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.
Forward Deployed Engineer/Chief Role
$150K - $180K *
Drive the development of AI-native solutions, designing robust agentic systems and workflows while closely collaborating with SMEs to enhance real user value through effective feedback mechanisms and...
Reposted 3 days ago
$135K - $155K *
Oversee complex project delivery, ensuring alignment with client goals and financial control. Lead cross-functional teams, manage risks, and drive proactive actions for successful outcomes using estab...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $117K *
Lead innovative structural engineering solutions for marine vessels, ensuring integrity and compliance with maritime standards. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational safety and performance in...
1 week ago
Lead Full Stack Engineer, Platform Services
$168K - $183K *
Lead initiatives that shape our cloud-native platform's direction, driving cross-team collaboration and engineering excellence. Mentor peers while architecting integrated, scalable solutions that enha...
Reposted 3 days ago
Digital Employee Experience Senior Engineer, IT Client Services
$89K - $139K *
Drive the transformation of employee experiences by leading a multi-year Digital Employee Experience (DEX) program. Oversee analytics, enhance productivity, and implement AI-driven solutions to optimi...
1 week ago
Software Engineer II, Cloud Applications
$110K - $130K *
Tackle the challenges of building scalable backend services in a cloud environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the Temporal Cloud experience, focusing on reliability, performan...
1 week ago
Sr. IT Engineer, IAM & Platform Management
$124K - $146K *
Join a team that's redefining identity and access management while enhancing Atlassian platform administration. Drive automation, improve security compliance, and lead architectural initiatives to ens...
2 days ago
Managing Consultant - Operations & Optimization
$125K - $150K *
Engage in high-impact consulting, leading digital transformation in terminal operations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize workflows, enhance automation, and drive strategic initiat...
3 weeks ago
$59K - $110K *
Engage with patients and caregivers to enhance their treatment journey through education and support. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality service and compliance while driving innovative solutions...
5 days ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer
$196K - $309K *
Join a team that's innovating core intelligence solutions for AI products. Collaborate with experts to design, develop, and optimize cutting-edge features that enhance software development and drive p...
1 week ago
$96K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing aerospace wire harnesses, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$137K - $231K *
Optimize data infrastructure and AI solutions to drive impactful analytics and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect scalable data models and pipelines, ensuring high-qualit...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Software Engineer - Builder Platform
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to the technical leadership of a multi-faceted platform, guiding cross-functional teams in architecting and evolving core engineering tools, AI infrastructure, and workflows to enhance prod...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...
3 weeks ago
$94K - $155K *
Lead multi-channel marketing production operations, ensuring timely, budget-friendly delivery. Oversee client engagements, deepen relationships, and drive growth while managing a diverse team of speci...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-impact consulting solutions for clients in the Energy & Utilities sector. Manage engagements, build relationships, and mentor teams to drive client success and strat...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Field Services
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Engineer in Field Services, providing expert technical support and solutions for semiconductor equipment across multiple locations. Engage with cross-functional teams...
6 days ago
Senior Software Safety Engineer, Halos - Autonomous Vehicles
$224K - $356K *
Elevate safety standards in AI-driven autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and implement safety requirements across software and hardware, driving innovatio...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming client challenges into innovative Salesforce solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, demo, and scope projects, ensuring seamless transitions to delivery whi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Product Manager
$264K - $345K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven collaboration. Lead innovative strategies and elevate product management by integrating AI in core offerings to enhance user experiences and drive im...
Reposted 1 week ago
Integrations Engineer, AI Services
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing and delivering scalable AI-powered integrations for nonprofits. Collaborate closely with clients to understand their needs, build solutions, and productize offerings that...
1 week ago
Account Executive - Engineering Firms (California)
$119K - $150K *
Advance your career by driving enterprise sales within civil engineering firms. Leverage your expertise to enhance workflows, secure contracts, and deliver impactful solutions, all while collaborating...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Unlock insights as you lead analytics for multi-channel marketing initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate data tracking and reporting, driving performance through actio...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as you analyze employee engagement data, guide organizations in strategy development, and facilitate workshops to enhance workplace culture. Collaborate with HR leaders globally to...
2 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Platform Engineer (New Stealth Startup)
$200K - $350K *
Transform complex AI research into scalable, reliable systems. Collaborate across teams to architect and enhance backend services, ensuring robust infrastructure for model training and data collection...
2 weeks 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.