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.
Software Engineer II, Marketplace Optimization
$142K - $196K *
Innovate and optimize scalable backend systems that drive efficient marketplace decisioning and monetization strategies. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and leverage cutting-edge...
Reposted 3 days ago
$80K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through innovative testing strategies. You'll manage an enterprise test repository, develop test plans, and ensure compliance with DoD standa...
3 weeks ago
$195K - $235K *
Lead the design and development of robust data systems, ensuring reliable data flow and integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex rental-housing challenges while mentoring en...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative electrical solutions while mentoring junior engineers. Collaborate with a talented team to design, validate, and test complex systems, ensuring product perform...
1 week ago
Performance/Simulation/Application Engineering Specialist
$128K - $192K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating clean power solutions through leading engineering projects that enhance aftertreatment systems, ensuring performance, quality, and cost-effectiveness while c...
4 days ago
Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Transform manufacturing processes by leading initiatives that enhance efficiency and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and ensure complia...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of energy by leading civil engineering for electric transmission projects. Shape team growth while ensuring successful planning, execution, and stakeholder collaboration in a comp...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize and innovate features for visualization tools in a collaborative team environment, focusing on full-stack development with modern UI technologies and integration of robust software solutions...
Reposted 6 days ago
$200K - $300K *
Transform emerging market trends into innovative products by leveraging your engineering expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to rapidly prototype and deliver exceptional user experience...
1 week ago
$147K - $202K *
Drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing by optimizing processes, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance device performance and resolve engineering challenges...
1 week ago
Lead Platform Engineer, Operational Data Store
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of global commerce by designing a cutting-edge data platform. As a technical leader, you'll influence architecture and drive innovation, ensuring high performance and reliability for...
1 week ago
Lead Platform Engineer, Operational Data Store
$130K - $155K *
Architect scalable enterprise platforms that enhance payment data access, drive performance, and foster innovation through automation. Lead engineering excellence and transform initiatives into produc...
1 week ago
Lead Platform Engineer, Operational Data Store
$120K - $145K *
Shape the architecture of a strategic enterprise platform, driving innovation and performance while mentoring engineers and establishing technical standards to enhance scalability and reliability acro...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Core Engineering
$171K - $248K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to enhance infrastructure and networking, driving user-focused product development while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across the organization...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate network engineering capabilities by providing comprehensive support across the lifecycle of tactical network systems, ensuring secure information exchange and compliance within multidisciplina...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform transportation systems by leading ITS engineering projects, optimizing operations, and collaborating with diverse teams across the West Coast to enhance traffic management and safety through...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing transportation systems across the West Coast. Collaborate with a team of experts to deliver innovative ITS projects, ensuring effective integration and project execution...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead and manage traffic engineering projects, ensuring quality delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with stakeholders, mentor staff, and drive strategic growth initiatives across North Caroli...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower operational excellence by optimizing production processes and ensuring quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement controls, analyze data, and drive continuous improvement in...
6 days ago
$80K - $100K *
Elevate manufacturing efficiency by applying engineering principles and lean methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance process reliability and reduce variability in the product...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive solutions for complex product challenges by applying your engineering expertise and quality assurance mindset. Collaborate across teams to design, test, and implement reliable software features...
Reposted 3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as you monitor and optimize production processes, ensuring quality and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement controls and drive continuous improvement...
6 days ago
$86K - $123K *
Transform manufacturing processes by developing and optimizing solid oxide fuel cell production. Collaborate across teams to enhance yield and throughput, ensuring production goals are met effectively...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $140K *
Discover a critical role driving quality assurance processes and improvements. Collaborate across teams to maintain high standards in manufacturing, sharing your expertise to enhance product reliabili...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Manager
$88K - $105K *
Transform operational excellence as a Continuous Improvement Manager, driving a culture of innovation and measurable results. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity, quality...
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.