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 Attack Engineer, External
$206K - $242K *
Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...
3 weeks ago
Senior Frontend Engineer I - eCommerce
$145K - $170K *
Join a dynamic eCommerce team to enhance the online booking experience. Lead complex features in a Next.js and TypeScript application, impacting conversion and patient trust across multiple countries...
1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer, Identity
$166K - $242K *
Deliver secure, reliable backend systems that enhance user experiences across products. Own projects from design to deployment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to balance security and usabil...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading frontend architecture for scalable, high-performance systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and drive technical excellence in a dynamic, enterprise-l...
2 weeks ago
Senior Functional Safety Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Champion the safety design and validation of our autonomous trucking system, ensuring rigorous functional safety standards are met across all engineering and operational teams. Drive impactful safety...
Reposted 1 week ago
$132K - $220K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in cloud technology and engineering excellence. Lead and mentor engineers while shaping strategic direction for Fan and Club products, ensuring high performance a...
4 days ago
$230K - $245K *
Champion innovation by leading a dynamic engineering team to automate financial data extraction, enhancing model accuracy and efficiency for clients. Drive impactful solutions that empower analysts to...
Reposted 3 days ago
$138K - $173K *
Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality software delivery. Lead and mentor a team of engineers while optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous impro...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Chainguard Harness
$205K - $231K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge security solutions, guiding architecture and technical decisions while ensuring robust protection for customer data. Collaborate with a dynamic team to scale i...
3 days ago
Staff+ Software Engineer, Memory & Search
$405K - $485K *
Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $145K *
Strategize initiatives to enhance workforce alignment and Agile practices, driving high performance in IT services for federal clients while fostering a collaborative culture and supporting strategic...
2 weeks ago
Performance Engineering - Sr. QA Manager
$121K - $202K *
Shape the future of performance engineering by leading QA delivery for high-transaction healthcare platforms. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and enhance the reliability and scalability of critical syst...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on creating intuitive, consumer-first products. As a product engineer, you'll enhance user experiences across web and mobile, leveraging cutting-edge...
2 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager - GTM
$239K - $298K *
Discover a pivotal role in shaping the future of our engineering function. Lead a small team to enhance our GTM engine, integrating product and marketing efforts while driving innovation in technology...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage overnight SAP BW data loads, ensuring seamless execution and prompt error resolution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and maintain data integrity during critical...
3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining CRM platforms by architecting innovative, AI-driven solutions. This high-impact role requires visionary leadership to optimize data processing and enhance user experience...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Growth
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in transforming patient engagement by integrating booking into our core product. Drive innovative experiments and optimize multi-channel outreach to ensure underserved communities rece...
1 week ago
$128K - $153K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of technology by delivering impactful software solutions. Collaborate on innovative projects, optimize data operations, and enhance user experiences while support...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $125K *
Innovate and design scalable, cloud-native APIs while enhancing legacy systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions, leveraging AI tools and modern techn...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...
3 weeks ago
Principal Project Engineer - ADMS
$120K - $150K *
Shape large-scale system integration projects by managing technical aspects, leading workshops, and ensuring successful implementation of ADMS/OMS systems while collaborating with clients and project...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Empower innovation by developing full stack solutions that enhance user experiences and optimize backend systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable applications that meet evo...
1 week ago
$150K - $200K *
Transform your career by leading innovative software solutions, guiding AI-driven development, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the technical la...
2 weeks ago
Field Implementation Specialist
$120K *
Join a team that's redefining implementation excellence. As a Field Implementation Specialist, you'll execute rollouts, build trust, and enhance departmental engagement, all while traveling extensivel...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...
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.