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, SRE and Production Engineering - DGX Cloud
$184K - $287K *
Transform production infrastructure by automating bare-metal provisioning and enhancing GPU capacity management. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in AI workloads, driving...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Join us to lead security and compliance initiatives within a dynamic platform team. You'll leverage your expertise to enhance production infrastructure, ensuring robust protection and reliability for...
1 week ago
Senior Test Automation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Test Automation Engineer, leading testing initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring software quality through innovative automation strategies...
1 week ago
$153K - $171K *
Join a dynamic team to orchestrate complex technical programs, driving alignment and clarity across product and engineering. Empower teams to deliver impactful outcomes while leveraging AI insights fo...
5 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your recruiting career by leading high-impact searches for Director-level and above roles. Collaborate with senior leaders to shape talent strategies, drive full-cycle recruiting, and build ex...
3 weeks ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$137K - $231K *
Lead the charge in architecting a robust data infrastructure that powers AI and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex business challenges into scalable data solutions...
3 weeks ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$137K - $231K *
Accelerate your career by architecting data solutions that drive AI and analytics at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex business challenges into impactful data product...
3 weeks ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$137K - $231K *
Help us build a robust data foundation for AI and analytics at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect data pipelines and models, transforming complex business challenges into impa...
3 weeks ago
$157K - $174K *
Elevate technical execution in GMP manufacturing by leading complex workstreams for comparability strategies, tech transfers, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $200K *
Transform backend services and REST APIs in a collaborative environment. Leverage your software engineering skills to support cyber training initiatives, utilizing modern technologies and cloud infras...
3 weeks ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - AI & Developer Platform
$115K - $185K *
Lead the charge in transforming developer workflows and API architecture for enterprise AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate friction and enhance the developer experience a...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $171K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI infrastructure by enhancing reliability and automation. Collaborate with skilled engineers to optimize monitoring, incident response, and operational proces...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by designing and executing innovative content workflows, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and quality. Collaborate with diverse teams to create impactful, structured content acr...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex implementations across provider and payor organizations. Drive project success through collaboration, strategic planning, and innovative solutions whi...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Site Reliability Engineering
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building resilient infrastructure and leading a skilled SRE group. You'll drive incident management, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and leverage AI to enha...
3 weeks ago
GNC Engineer - Spacecraft Pointing & Maneuvering
$180K - $250K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge GNC systems for a pioneering spacecraft, ensuring precise maneuvering and laser pointing. Collaborate closely with a small team to innovate and validate algori...
2 days ago
$250K - $400K *
Shape the future of backend systems by designing, building, and operating high-scale solutions. Collaborate with a talented team to tackle complex challenges and ensure reliability in a fast-paced env...
3 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Drive innovation as you lead the design and deployment of scalable AI-native platforms, blending advanced technologies with enterprise systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure high performance and...
3 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Join a team that's driving Mergers & Acquisitions success by leading Dynamics 365 configuration and customization efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize business processes and ensure seaml...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...
2 weeks ago
$109K - $183K *
Lead a globally distributed team to enhance our SaaS platform by mentoring engineers, driving technical strategy, and building scalable solutions using .NET and React. Balance engineering and manageme...
3 days ago
$109K - $183K *
Empower your engineering expertise to lead a global team in enhancing our SaaS platform. Drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and build scalable solutions using .NET and React while advancing A...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of financial operations by owning and modernizing financial systems, automating processes, and collaborating with engineering to streamline integrations for enhanced efficiency and re...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop and maintain core financial platforms, ensuring reliability and data integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement scalable solutions and enhance platform performance in a re...
3 weeks ago
$126K - $213K *
Engage with us to design, build, and maintain cutting-edge cloud infrastructure. You'll enhance our Kubernetes platform, drive GitOps practices, and empower developers through automation and infrastru...
Reposted 3 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.