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.
$80K - $98K *
Innovate manufacturing processes by developing and optimizing equipment to enhance product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while driving continuous improvement initiatives across productio...
6 days ago
Engineering Manager, Backend Team
$150K - $180K *
Oversee and enhance backend systems while leading a team of engineers. Balance hands-on coding with management, ensuring high-quality architecture and production health in a fast-paced environment. Dr...
1 week ago
$89K - $134K *
Join a dynamic Process Engineering Team to enhance manufacturing processes, support production, and innovate in a collaborative environment. This role offers hands-on experience across various enginee...
3 days ago
$110K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing quality processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Lead hands-on quality initiatives from inspection to customer follow-up, ensuring excellence in cust...
6 days ago
Senior Principal Software Development Engineer, Consumer AI Architect
$191K - $239K *
Elevate consumer experiences by driving AI innovations and technical direction across engineering teams, enhancing high-traffic services for millions. Mentor talent, establish best practices, and deli...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $135K *
Lead the charge in enhancing quality processes for custom engineered components. Drive hands-on improvements from inspection to customer follow-up, collaborating with teams to ensure excellence in a f...
6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in environmental engineering, tackling complex contamination issues while shaping client relationships and project outcomes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovat...
3 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Transform client needs into innovative software solutions by designing, building, and testing custom applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance delivery across cloud engineering and product innov...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Transform client needs into innovative software solutions by designing, building, and testing custom applications. Collaborate across teams, mentor junior engineers, and enhance delivery through cloud...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Transform client needs into innovative software solutions by designing, building, and testing custom applications. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive projects through the softw...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Drive innovation by designing and developing custom applications, mentoring junior engineers, and delivering solutions that meet client needs across cloud and on-premise environments...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative applications, leveraging cloud solutions and software engineering expertise. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while driving pro...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and building innovative applications, leveraging cloud solutions and software engineering to meet client needs while mentoring junior engineers and driving pr...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Advance your career by designing and developing custom applications, mentoring junior engineers, and driving innovative solutions in a collaborative environment that emphasizes cloud engineering and p...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and building custom applications. As a Senior Engineer, you'll analyze complex problems, mentor junior members, and contribute to innovative solutions across...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Inspire innovation by designing and developing custom applications, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with clients to deliver impactful software solutions across cloud and on-premise envir...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Shape innovative solutions by designing and developing custom applications, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with clients to deliver impactful software across cloud and on-premise environ...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Lead the design and development of custom applications, leveraging cloud solutions and innovative engineering practices to meet client needs while mentoring junior team members and managing complex wo...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Drive innovation by designing and building custom applications, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with clients to deliver impactful software solutions across cloud and on-premise environme...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Reimagine application development by designing, building, and testing custom solutions. Collaborate with teams to tackle complex problems, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation across cloud an...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Grow your career by designing and developing custom applications, mentoring junior engineers, and delivering innovative solutions in a dynamic advisory environment. Collaborate across teams to tackle...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Lead the charge in designing and building custom applications, leveraging cloud solutions and innovative engineering practices to meet client needs while mentoring junior team members and managing com...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Lead the design and development of custom applications, leveraging cloud solutions and software engineering expertise. Mentor junior engineers while managing complex projects and delivering innovative...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of custom application development, leveraging cloud solutions and innovative engineering practices to deliver impactful results for clients while mentoring junior...
2 days ago
$77K - $202K *
Transform client needs into innovative software solutions by leading custom application development, mentoring junior engineers, and driving cloud-based delivery across the software development lifecy...
2 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.