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.
Principal Engineer, SOC Performance Architecture
$220K - $311K *
Unlock potential by leading the architectural design of cutting-edge Datacenter products, driving performance and power efficiency. Influence technical direction and mentor teams to shape the future o...
4 days ago
Principal Engineer, SOC Performance Architecture
$220K - $311K *
Champion the development of innovative SoC performance architecture, driving power and performance specifications for next-gen datacenter products. Influence technical direction and collaborate across...
4 days ago
Principal Engineer, SOC Performance Architecture
$220K - $311K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of Datacenter products by driving architectural Power and Performance specifications. Influence technical direction and deliver innovative solutions across divers...
4 days ago
Manufacturing Process Engineer
$70K - $100K *
Support manufacturing operations by optimizing processes and introducing new products. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance efficiency and quality in electronic and electro-mechanical assembly, d...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Engineer robust backend services and cloud infrastructure, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality solutions in a dynamic environment, while driving improve...
5 days ago
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Software Engineer, driving backend services and cloud infrastructure. Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful solutions while enhancing your skills in a dynamic...
5 days ago
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of backend services and cloud infrastructure. Leverage your expertise in Go, Python, and AWS to build scalable solutions while collaborating across teams to deliv...
5 days ago
EDA and CAD Lead Engineer / Manager
$140K - $200K *
Join our team to lead the design and development of cutting-edge mixed-signal ICs. Collaborate with experienced engineers on technical aspects from concept to production, ensuring high-performance lay...
1 week ago
EDA and CAD Lead Engineer / Manager
$140K - $200K *
Shape the future of mixed-signal IC design by leading EDA/CAD efforts. Collaborate with a skilled team to drive innovative solutions from concept to production, ensuring high-performance layouts and t...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform client data into actionable insights by building semantic models and reports. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data quality and deliver tailored solutions, while managing small proje...
2 days ago
Mechanical Engineer - Engineer, Chassis & Vehicle Dynamic
$109K - $161K *
Contribute to the development of advanced chassis systems and vehicle dynamics for autonomous delivery robots. Drive mechanical design, testing, and validation to enhance performance and reliability a...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the edge software landscape by owning critical components from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless hardware integration and robust field performa...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive the development of edge software, ensuring seamless hardware integration and robust fail-safe mechanisms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance machine performance and reliability i...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of critical infrastructure by managing complex water and wastewater projects. This hands-on role requires strong leadership and collaboration with field operation...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join us to support engineering initiatives and enhance controls systems. You'll oversee equipment assembly, ensure compliance with standards, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 3 days ago
$75K - $100K *
Shape your career by leading quality initiatives and audits, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement in production standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfa...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive validation excellence by developing test strategies and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance SSD quality and efficiency. Leverage AI tools to optimize processes and ensure timely project...
1 month ago
Software Engineer (PDLC Tooling + Automation)
$100K - $167K *
Drive efficiency at the intersection of product development and customer engagement by building integrations and automations that empower teams with timely, relevant product knowledge and streamline w...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to the development of Functional Safety solutions for automotive embedded systems, ensuring compliance with ISO 26262 standards and collaborating across multi-disciplinary engineering teams...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$167K - $226K *
Join a team that's redefining AI-native products by blending cloud, ML, and hardware. As a Principal Engineer, you'll lead technical direction, influence architecture, and drive innovation across syst...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform manufacturing processes as a Production Engineer, driving innovation and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production flow, ensuring quality and eff...
1 week ago
Senior Foundry Development Engineer
$170K - $250K *
Pioneer semiconductor etching processes, optimizing dielectric waveguide development from material selection to production. Collaborate with internal teams and external foundries to enhance performanc...
1 week ago
$60K - $135K *
Lead the charge in performance testing for complex applications, collaborating with stakeholders to design test cases, execute scenarios, and ensure reliable delivery of technology initiatives while l...
1 week ago
Senior Consultant - Network Performance
$88K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team to deliver high-quality data analyses and solutions, leveraging technical expertise and client-facing skills. Collaborate closely with clients and internal teams to enhance satisfa...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Governance & Access
$150K - $180K *
Empower our team to build innovative security and governance solutions, shaping access management for both human and agent users. Lead a small, dynamic group as we define architectural foundations and...
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.