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.
Traffic Engineer, PE (Chicago)
$107K - $126K *
Lead the charge in traffic engineering projects, mentoring staff and collaborating across disciplines. Support the design and delivery of innovative transportation solutions while managing technical t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$207K - $300K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative solutions for Google's Semantic Location engine. Manage a team of engineers, drive technical vision, and collaborate across product areas to enhance user exper...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs by analyzing customer needs, creating detailed CAD models, and collaborating across departments to ensure efficient production and delivery of high-quality packagin...
4 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Help us enhance product quality by applying engineering principles to manufacturing processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, improve standards, and ensure compliance with...
2 weeks ago
Director, Production and Infrastructure Engineering
$240K - $290K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on production and infrastructure. Drive performance, foster collaboration, and deliver innovative solutions while managing diverse tec...
1 week ago
Director, Production and Infrastructure Engineering
$240K - $290K *
Empower a high-performing engineering team by leading diverse technical disciplines, driving operational excellence, and fostering collaboration. Your hands-on leadership will ensure effective deliver...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Capital Projects Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in executing capital projects, overseeing design to startup, and ensuring engineering standards are met while managing budgets and schedules for small to medium-sized initiatives...
5 days ago
Product Engineer, Foundations Team
$160K - $215K *
Transform the customer experience by building end-to-end product features, integrating critical services, and shaping engineering culture in a dynamic, cross-functional team. Embrace AI to enhance pro...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to streamline product development, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Engage in diverse projects that enhance elec...
Reposted 1 week ago
Embedded Software Engineer - Level TBD
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation in embedded software development, focusing on real-time applications using C/C++. Collaborate with teams to enhance existing systems and support new hardware initiatives, ensuring rel...
Reposted today
$60K - $180K *
Engage in advanced system integration and verification, driving innovation through testing and automation. Collaborate with teams to develop test plans and troubleshoot issues, ensuring high-quality o...
3 weeks ago
Service Delivery Center, Senior DevOps Engineer
$67K - $136K *
Drive innovation by optimizing cloud infrastructure and delivery automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable platforms for financial services clients, ensuring se...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future by leading systems engineering efforts across all lifecycle stages, ensuring seamless integration and performance of complex systems while translating customer needs into effective so...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in vehicle durability analysis by developing and executing CAE simulations, collaborating with design teams, and ensuring structural performance meets rigorous standards across full ve...
1 week ago
$90K - $125K *
Partner with us to drive project success in maintenance, reliability, and capital initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure projects meet scope and schedule, while enhancing your skills in...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the quality and functionality of advanced Army missile systems through rigorous testing and evaluation, collaborating closely with development teams to meet mi...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at your facility by leading impactful continuous improvement initiatives. Empower teams, standardize best practices, and drive measurable gains in productivity, quality, and safety...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Production Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Optimize manufacturing processes by leveraging Lean and Six Sigma tools. Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to enhance product performance, support new introductions, and drive continuous...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Support client interactions by leading technical discussions, conducting live demos, and driving failure analysis. Leverage your expertise in hardware and optics to enhance product feedback and ensure...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Performance & Insights Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Engage with us to transform complex data into impactful insights, driving strategic initiatives and executive decision-making. Leverage your expertise in petroleum engineering and data analytics to de...
1 week ago
$108K - $158K *
Lead the charge in quality engineering by collaborating with agile teams to drive testing priorities and ensure high standards of reliability and performance across enterprise integration and microser...
Today
$156K - $199K *
Drive technical leadership for cross-discipline teams delivering mission-critical hardware solutions. Oversee product development, coordinate engineering activities, and ensure alignment with customer...
Reposted 1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Data Streaming
$225K - $265K *
Accelerate progress at a mission-critical team, leading Data Streaming to enhance data ingestion pipelines. Build a skilled team, ensure pipeline reliability, and collaborate cross-functionally to sup...
2 weeks ago
Custom Products Design Engineer
$71K - $105K *
Empower innovation by designing custom Underground Distribution Switchgear products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and efficiency while meeting customer specifications and...
1 week ago
Development Engineering Manager
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovation by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on rapid prototyping and advanced extrusion technologies, driving customer collaboration and technical excellence to accelerate produc...
Reposted today
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.