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.
$165K - $185K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and implementation of innovative digital solutions for Veteran healthcare services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise applicatio...
1 week ago
Principal Product Security Engineer
$229K - $258K *
Lead the charge in shaping product security strategy, driving cross-functional initiatives, and embedding security by design into engineering workflows. Collaborate with teams to enhance vulnerability...
2 weeks ago
Principal Product Security Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining product security by leading cross-functional initiatives, embedding security into engineering workflows, and shaping strategies that enhance risk management across major...
2 weeks ago
$137K - $231K *
Transform the design landscape by developing core components and systems that enhance AI-driven design and code generation, ensuring quality and performance across web and mobile applications while co...
3 days ago
$151K - $195K *
Champion the development of innovative design systems that enhance user experience across web and mobile platforms. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality, accessible, and maintainable code whi...
3 days ago
$180K - $215K *
Transform the engineering landscape by leading Infrastructure teams focused on CI/CD and Kubernetes. Drive platform consolidation, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a customer-centric environ...
1 week ago
Principal, Technical Program Manager
$130K - $155K *
Join us to lead complex technical programs that enhance delivery predictability and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational improvements and provide data-driven insights...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of security engineering by implementing robust controls, enhancing monitoring, and driving risk management initiatives. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and operational e...
1 week ago
Senior Backend Engineer, External
$199K - $235K *
Innovate backend solutions by designing, building, and maintaining scalable services for external pentesting. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and ensure system performance, reliabi...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's pioneering the deployment of scalable AI systems, focusing on building robust APIs, optimizing infrastructure, and ensuring reliable operations in a dynamic environment. Drive innov...
2 weeks ago
Process Engineer, R&D Product Support
$110K - $130K *
Engineer innovative manufacturing processes and lead trials to evaluate new materials and products. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive commercialization and provide technical training and support...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of platform engineering, driving innovation across cloud, DevOps, and site reliability. This role empowers you to build core services, enhance architecture, and m...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$92K - $115K *
Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...
Reposted yesterday
$130K - $145K *
Engineer innovative Android solutions that redefine the home renovation industry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and mentor junior developers while driving technica...
6 days ago
$95K - $135K *
Transform the future of financial products by building end-to-end experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions that enhance user interactions and drive business...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $145K *
Innovate your career by enhancing software applications and microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical design, troubleshoot issues, and mentor junior engineers while ens...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Containers
$157K - $184K *
Transform the future of container technology by designing and shipping innovative features for Chainguard Containers. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance security and performance while directly...
4 days ago
$160K - $230K *
Transform mission-critical applications by collaborating with AI engineers to enhance performance, scalability, and security. Drive technical excellence and mentor peers while navigating dynamic feder...
2 weeks ago
$206K - $242K *
Develop and implement advanced OCI attack capabilities, researching attack paths and misconfigurations. Collaborate with engineers to enhance offensive security strategies, ensuring robust cloud-nativ...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (CCC Auto / Agentic)
$180K - $225K *
Transform the claims process by building robust event-driven systems. As a key player, you'll design, implement, and maintain backend services, ensuring reliability and efficiency while mentoring fell...
5 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Drive innovation by designing and developing scalable backend services, collaborating closely with engineering teams to enhance platform performance and reliability while mentoring junior developers a...
1 month ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's pioneering integration solutions and AI functionality, enhancing product capabilities while driving innovation. Collaborate on building reliable systems and contribute to impactful...
3 days ago
$92K - $110K *
Transform battery design through advanced structural analysis and optimization. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure quality and efficiency in product development while meeting deadlines and e...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Transform data into actionable insights by analyzing EV telematics and charging patterns. Collaborate across teams to enhance data quality and drive product innovation, shaping the future of electric...
5 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.