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.
$99K - $232K *
Transform custom application development by leading teams in cloud-native and on-premise environments. Drive innovation through modern engineering practices, mentoring junior staff, and delivering hig...
2 days ago
$99K - $232K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of custom application development. Lead engineering efforts across cloud-native and on-premise environments, guiding teams to deliver innovative solutions that me...
2 days ago
$99K - $232K *
Join a team that's redefining custom application development by leading innovative projects across cloud-native and on-premise environments, mentoring engineers, and delivering high-quality solutions...
2 days ago
Application Engineer, Data Center Hardware
$175K - $245K *
Lead the charge in designing and validating electrical power integration for data centers, ensuring reliable deployment and hands-on customer engagement while shaping the future of Application Enginee...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Index Operational Tooling
$145K - $175K *
Pioneer the future of engineering leadership by guiding global teams to deliver resilient, high-performance platforms that enhance index management and operational workflows while fostering a culture...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Pioneer in advancing reliability standards for our Solid-State Transformer platform. Lead cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate risks while ensuring hardware longevity and performance across...
Reposted 2 days ago
$170K - $350K *
Unlock your potential by shaping our evolving product from 0-1. Collaborate across the stack, understand customer needs, and innovate through direct user feedback, building a roadmap that defines our...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Internal Acceleration, Research Engineer (ASIC)
$150K - $400K *
Shape the future of AI-driven hardware by collaborating with founders and the ASIC team to develop innovative agents and systems that enhance engineering workflows and solve critical challenges in a f...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower manufacturing excellence by leveraging engineering expertise to troubleshoot processes, drive continuous improvement, and enhance operational efficiency while mentoring team members and collab...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career with dynamic CAE development for suspension durability and fatigue analysis. Collaborate on complex projects, optimize analyses, and interpret data using industry-leading tools to en...
Reposted 1 week ago
Process Engineer - New Product Introduction
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating manufacturing processes for new products. Collaborate across functions to enhance efficiency and ensure seamless design transfer, driving improvements that i...
2 days ago
Engineering Manager, Claude Platform
$405K - $485K *
Lead engineering teams to develop APIs and tools that enhance developer experiences. Collaborate with product and customers to prioritize needs, ensuring high-quality delivery and operational health w...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Claude Platform
$405K - $485K *
Elevate engineering excellence by leading teams to develop robust APIs and tools. Drive product roadmaps, ensure high-quality delivery, and collaborate across functions to enhance developer experience...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Balance and Ledger - Core
$190K - $237K *
Drive operational excellence by leading a high-performing engineering team focused on building a secure and scalable balance platform. Shape architecture and processes while ensuring accuracy and comp...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $102K *
Lead traffic engineering projects, ensuring design accuracy and compliance. Collaborate with teams to prepare plans, conduct analyses, and deliver impactful solutions that enhance community infrastruc...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive engineering excellence by managing projects and teams, ensuring timely completion within budget. Design tooling for new products and enhance existing processes while effectively communicating pr...
1 week ago
Lead Project Engineer - Aerospace
$112K - $155K *
Lead innovative product development in aerospace, focusing on hydraulic actuation systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and implement solutions that meet industry standa...
Reposted 2 days ago
Lead Project Engineer - Aerospace
$112K - $155K *
Accelerate your career by leading innovative aerospace projects, collaborating with global teams to design and optimize hydraulic actuation devices, and driving product development from concept to imp...
Reposted 2 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion technical excellence in defense programs, leading cross-functional teams to ensure mission success, compliance, and innovation throughout the program lifecycle while managing risks and delive...
4 days ago
$110K - $138K *
Elevate engineering excellence by designing and implementing reusable platform services and components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent architecture, security, and quality...
3 days ago
$110K - $138K *
Advance your career by designing and implementing reusable platform services and components that empower multiple development teams, ensuring consistent architecture, security, and quality across soft...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead a team in executing medium to large-scale engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards and driving project success through collaboration and effective management of resources and time...
Today
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Shape continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing, enhancing safety, quality, and productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement Lean principles and drive operational excel...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Engine Performance - Central Technology, Unreal Ecosystem
$140K - $170K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of game performance and tooling. As a key engineer, you'll mentor peers, optimize player experiences, and drive impactful solutions across diverse technical chall...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Project Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in overseeing electrical engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence and project success. Mentor new engineers while directing project teams and collaborating on innovative des...
1 month 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.