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 Software Engineer & Team Lead
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in software engineering excellence, guiding modernization initiatives while mentoring engineers to enhance reliability and scalability in cloud environments...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior GPU Raytracing Engineer
$184K - $356K *
Develop cutting-edge GPU-accelerated systems for real-time radio signal propagation in 5G/6G networks. Lead design and implementation while working with NVIDIA's advanced technologies to optimize and...
Reposted 2 days ago
$188K - $230K *
Transform the future of data engineering by leading the design and optimization of scalable data pipelines for AI/ML applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and bes...
4 days ago
Product Manager, Platform - Interfaces & Web Services
$96K - $123K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative Interfaces and API solutions, enhancing supply chain and clinical workflows. Collaborate cross-functionally to define product requirements and drive adoption...
3 days ago
$193K - $309K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful GTM solutions by managing a skilled engineering team, overseeing technical operations, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to drive innovation and qua...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Simulation
$181K - $282K *
Shape the future of humanoid robotics by developing cutting-edge simulation software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance robot learning and accelerate development through innovative si...
Today
Lead Project Manager, Equitable Electric Mobility
$93K - $106K *
Lead impactful initiatives in equitable electric mobility, managing multi-state programs and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable transportation policies and practic...
Reposted 4 days ago
Portfolio Manager - Prediction Markets
$160K - $200K *
Elevate the performance of prediction markets by overseeing strategy, risk management, and team leadership. Drive P&L accountability and collaborate with engineering to enhance infrastructure and mark...
Reposted today
Engineering Manager, Infrastructure (Device Trust)
$192K - $278K *
Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team responsible for the reliability and scalability of critical data systems. Drive architectural decisions, incident response, and team development while...
4 days ago
Manager, Test Data Engineering Team
$128K - $160K *
Transform data quality frameworks by leading a dynamic team to innovate robust automated testing solutions, enhancing reliability across global engineering efforts within a fast-paced, collaborative e...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $110K *
Drive quality assurance efforts across web, mobile, and API platforms, validating features and ensuring releases meet high standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience...
3 days ago
Principal Flight Software Engineer
$168K - $280K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge embedded flight software for NASA's Artemis program, ensuring robust architectures and rigorous testing to meet mission-critical requirements in a dynamic, c...
5 days ago
Principal Architect, Sales and Marketing Technologies
$170K - $180K *
Join us as a Technology Architect to shape and govern our Sales & Marketing tech ecosystem. Lead architecture design, drive integration strategies, and mentor teams to enhance client engagement and op...
3 days ago
Operations Lead - Product Change
$80K - $95K *
Lead the execution of product launches, ensuring readiness and adoption across teams. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive operational change and enhance processes, while managing metri...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading large electric utility transmission projects. Drive early planning, manage complex challenges, and collaborate across teams to ensure successful project delivery while main...
Today
Senior Manager, Data Engineering
$146K - $229K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-accountability engineering team to architect and deliver innovative data products, enabling analytics and AI while fostering a culture of quality and collaboration a...
6 days ago
Manager of Database Reliability Engineering
$200K - $220K *
Accelerate progress at our database reliability team by owning cloud infrastructure, data lifecycle strategy, and operational readiness for high-traffic events. Lead and mentor a growing team while en...
Reposted today
$125K - $155K *
Innovate product strategy and execution, bridging cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions that align with customer needs and organizational goals throughout the product lifecycle...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of digital transformation by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring effective governance, and driving organizational change across global teams to enhance program...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Data Focused
$130K - $140K *
Contribute to the development of a modern platform by building features, connecting systems, and improving data usability. Engage with stakeholders and troubleshoot to deliver reliable software as par...
Reposted 5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Reimagine engineering collaboration by integrating real-world expertise into product development. Partner with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows, tackle complex challenges, and drive innovat...
3 days ago
$159K - $254K *
Shape the future of pay solutions by driving innovative projects in back-end systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance functionality and reliability, ensuring accurate payroll for re...
Reposted 5 days ago
$113K - $170K *
Lead the charge in transforming customer integrations by driving technical discovery, scoping complex implementations, and ensuring successful onboarding for high-stakes accounts. Collaborate closely...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, Commerce
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping innovative Commerce solutions, guiding a high-performing engineering team to deliver exceptional customer experiences while driving technical excellence and strategic decisi...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower energy efficiency initiatives across multiple sites, driving resource reduction goals and enhancing environmental performance through strategic engagement and innovative solutions in energy ma...
6 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.