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.
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in advanced control systems and software. Collaborate with specialists to develop cutting-edge technologies, enhance vehicle performance, and lead initiatives tha...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate vehicle software development by creating and testing innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze defects, implement fixes, and ensure project milestones are met in...
3 weeks ago
$124K - $151K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by leading initiatives, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality and drive continuous improvemen...
1 week ago
$115K - $144K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing environmental initiatives through project management and technical expertise. Support compliance and infrastructure projects at waste management facilities wh...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower engineering excellence as you coordinate high-level operations, manage tasking systems, and facilitate communication across teams. Play a pivotal role in supporting executive engineering activ...
3 weeks ago
Application Engineer - Software & Controls
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative software solutions for mobile systems, providing technical support and developing application software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences and...
Reposted 2 days ago
$92K - $147K *
Transform automation processes by leading design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance production efficiency and ensure seamless integration of tec...
5 days ago
$92K - $147K *
Transform automation processes by leading design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance production efficiency and ensure quality through innovative...
5 days ago
Senior Staff Backend Software Engineer, Grid Applications
$262K - $369K *
Champion the technical strategy and architecture for enterprise applications, driving innovation and collaboration across teams to enhance the electric grid's capabilities at scale while ensuring engi...
6 days ago
$150K - $250K *
Transform your career by taking ownership of innovative product solutions. Collaborate with founders to create exceptional experiences and drive impactful technology in a fast-paced, agile environment...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Staff Backend Software Engineer, Grid Applications
$262K - $369K *
Drive innovation by leading technical strategy and architecture for enterprise applications, ensuring scalability and reliability. Collaborate across teams to transform complex challenges into actiona...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by driving mechanical design and product development, collaborating across teams to create innovative solutions and enhance product performance throughout their lifecycle...
1 week ago
Maintenance Stamping Engineer - GCH
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of mechanical systems, ensuring production efficiency and quality. Collaborate across teams to drive continuous improvement and support maintena...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance engineering excellence by optimizing titanium melt processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing sustainable improvements through data-driven analysis and cross-functional collaboration...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Developer Productivity
$135K - $200K *
Shape the future of engineering productivity by developing scalable systems and tools that enhance quality, reliability, and developer happiness across organizations worldwide. Drive impactful softwar...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $102K *
Shape the future of aerospace quality assurance by ensuring compliance and excellence in production processes while collaborating with suppliers and customers to resolve issues and drive continuous im...
Reposted 5 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Join a team that's pioneering building optimization initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lead technical projects, engage with city agencies, and drive innovati...
1 week ago
$114K - $150K *
Unlock potential by designing and optimizing complex manufacturing processes. Lead projects that enhance quality and reduce costs while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-function...
2 days ago
Senior Process Improvement Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Advance operational excellence by enhancing equipment efficiency and troubleshooting processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness...
1 week ago
Senior Process Improvement Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Elevate operational excellence by managing equipment effectiveness and driving process improvements. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while leading continuous...
1 week ago
Senior Process Improvement Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize equipment performance and enhance operational excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring safety, quality, and cost-effectivenes...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the architectural vision for a federal spectrum data platform, optimizing integration and collaboration across teams to enhance federal spectrum management systems and support critical government...
6 days ago
Senior / Lead Site Reliability Engineer
$112K - $154K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer, driving automation and reliability in complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance application performance and operati...
5 days ago
Senior / Lead Site Reliability Engineer
$112K - $154K *
Champion reliability engineering practices to enhance application performance, automate operations, and ensure system resilience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvemen...
5 days ago
Senior / Lead Site Reliability Engineer
$112K - $154K *
Advance your career as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer, focusing on automation, reliability, and performance. Collaborate with teams to enhance application performance and operational efficiency wh...
5 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.