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.
Engineering Manager, Advanced Technology
$110K - $130K *
Manage the delivery and quality of software and data projects, ensuring team success through collaboration, technical guidance, and adherence to standards. Lead client-facing initiatives while oversee...
1 week ago
Production Systems Engineer, Edge
$120K - $145K *
Optimize the performance and reliability of a global Edge compute fleet, collaborating with cross-functional teams to qualify new hardware, enhance failure detection, and ensure seamless operations ac...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $177K *
Lead the charge in enterprise Linux engineering, overseeing design, reliability, and support for Linux systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure optimal performance and security while mentoring juni...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Power and Performance Analytics Platform
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by solving complex engineering challenges across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to design and build innovative analytics systems, driving progress and supporting the executi...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic engineering team to optimize product designs using advanced FEA and CFD simulations. Collaborate on complex projects, ensuring structural integrity and performance while driving innovat...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion engineering excellence by leading a high-performing team focused on innovative product development, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction in the stimulation equipment sector...
1 week ago
$180K - $215K *
Drive the development of shared frontend foundations for internal web applications, enhancing consistency and efficiency across teams. Collaborate on UI packages, scaffolding, and improve onboarding e...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in maintaining critical facilities by overseeing engineering operations, ensuring compliance, and managing staff. Drive excellence in preventive maintenance and emergency response to o...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in engineering operations for a dual-property complex, ensuring system reliability, team performance, and tenant satisfaction while managing maintenance, energy efficiency, and capital...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $275K *
Build and enhance tools and infrastructure for compute access, automation, and research workflows. Collaborate with teams to streamline operations and improve user experience while ensuring maintainab...
2 weeks ago
Embedded Testing Lead Engineer
$105K - $154K *
Champion the design verification and validation of embedded systems, leading test automation and laboratory activities for critical power products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure pr...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate medical technology by designing innovative drive systems and embedded solutions for high-performance ultrasound phased arrays, collaborating with diverse engineering teams to ensure seamless i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Test Automation Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Innovate AI-driven automation across the software development lifecycle, enhancing build, CI, testing, and release processes. Collaborate with engineers to establish foundational tools and methodologi...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise AI and Productivity Engineer
$140K - $150K *
Elevate your career by driving enterprise AI strategy and governance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity through AI solutions, ensuring secure and compliant adoption acros...
2 weeks ago
Senior Applications Engineer - Advanced Module Frames
$110K - $130K *
Drive technical excellence by leading applications engineering for advanced module frames. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve customer inquiries, oversee projects, and enhance product...
1 week ago
Senior Applications Engineer - Advanced Module Frames
$110K - $130K *
Join us to drive technical excellence in applications engineering, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support advanced PV module frame commercialization and customer satisfaction while manag...
1 week ago
Senior Applications Engineer - Advanced Module Frames
$100K - $120K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide technical support and solutions for advanced PV module frames, ensuring customer satisfaction and product adoption while managing engineering project...
1 week ago
Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Unlock innovative solutions as you lead the design and production of complex electromechanical systems, impacting healthcare automation and patient outcomes through precision engineering and scalable...
3 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join us to architect and lead the design of complex electromechanical systems that revolutionize pharmacy automation, ensuring precision and reliability while scaling production to meet nationwide dem...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role providing engineering support for Auxiliary Machinery Systems. Engage in project management, technical analysis, and system evaluations to enhance operational effi...
4 days ago
$140K - $150K *
Drive innovative process design and optimization in chemical engineering. Collaborate with a multi-discipline team to deliver effective solutions, ensuring safety and operability throughout all projec...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Capacity & Efficiency
$196K - $230K *
Lead the development of innovative capacity planning solutions for cloud storage and databases, optimizing AWS costs and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and...
1 week ago
Implementation Engineer, Analytics & Tag Management
$90K - $110K *
Empower client success by implementing robust web and app measurement strategies. Collaborate with marketing and engineering teams to ensure accurate data collection and analytics, enhancing customer...
1 week ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Pioneer continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in manufacturing processes. Collaborate with teams to implement Lean methodologies and drive measurable results...
1 week ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team to lead continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and quality. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive projects that reduce costs and elevate ope...
1 week 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.