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.
Senior Software Engineer, Backend
$135K - $187K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on crafting scalable software solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to design impactful APIs and lead innovations that drive efficiency and elevate cus...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer (Engine)
$227K - $344K *
Advance core engine systems by solving complex challenges across multiple domains. Leverage your extensive experience to optimize performance, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in game developmen...
3 days ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with plant leadership to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and foster a culture of Lean thinking...
1 week ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $90K *
Elevate operational excellence by driving continuous improvement initiatives. Utilize data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency across supply chain operat...
1 week ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $90K *
Accelerate progress at our Supply Chain Solutions division by driving continuous improvement initiatives. Utilize data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and...
1 week ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $90K *
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance operational performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Collaborate across teams...
2 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving continuous improvement across operations. Utilize data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while collaborating wi...
2 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$80K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving continuous improvement across operations. Utilize data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while collaborating wi...
2 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$90K - $100K *
Accelerate continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing processes, leading Kaizen events, and implementing lean principles. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality and resolve customer is...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by designing and implementing testing solutions for semiconductor systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software applications, automate testing processes, and...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the reliability and performance of rugged electronic products through comprehensive testing and validation. Collaborate across disciplines to drive innovation...
4 days ago
Process Engineer - Process Models and Production Systems
$80K - $95K *
Support process control & automation systems, enhancing operational performance, product quality, and safety in manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure stability and efficiency while executi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge Mission Integration Systems by collaborating with engineering teams and customers to deliver complex technical solutions that drive project success and innovat...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $195K *
Lead the charge in optimizing manufacturing engineering processes, driving production efficiencies, and enhancing CNC machining capabilities to propel innovation and scalability in hardware developmen...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Performance Engineering
$234K - $436K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in performance engineering for high-scale data ingestion. You'll enhance throughput, scalability, and efficiency of multi-source pipelines, tackling complex chall...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$96K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative data center solutions. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure high-quality construction and efficient project management, while enhancing...
2 days ago
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring quality, and driving operational excellence. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements that...
Reposted 5 days ago
$86K - $126K *
Shape the future of quality engineering by leading initiatives that enhance manufacturing processes, drive continuous improvement, and ensure customer satisfaction through effective quality management...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Unlock potential by developing and optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and operational excellence through cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives...
Reposted 5 days ago
Engineering Manager II, Runtime Services
$208K - $429K *
Inspire innovation as you lead a high-performing team to enhance large-scale platforms, driving automation and operational excellence while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across th...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager II, Runtime Services
$208K - $429K *
Champion the development of innovative platforms, leading a high-performing team to enhance automation, reliability, and operational excellence while driving collaboration across departments to meet c...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of marketing by designing and deploying AI-driven growth systems. This hands-on role merges engineering and marketing to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations thro...
1 week ago
$80K - $155K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by designing innovative fluid and power systems. As a Process Engineer, you'll drive the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in a f...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Champion AI performance optimization by enhancing training and inference across diverse systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform lab results into impactful solutions, driving inno...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing operations through innovative engineering solutions. Drive improvements, influence decisions, and transform workflows to enhance productivity in a fast-paced...
Reposted 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.