Systems Performance Engineers help organizations make software and infrastructure faster, more reliable, and more efficient. They measure performance, identify bottlenecks, and partner with engineering teams to improve systems across applications, operating systems, networks, and cloud environments. Explore vetted Systems Performance Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles with salaries of $100,000 or more.
These engineers investigate how systems behave under real-world and peak workloads. Their work may include designing benchmarks, analyzing metrics and traces, profiling applications, conducting load and stress tests, and recommending improvements. Depending on the organization, they may focus on distributed services, databases, compute platforms, embedded systems, or large-scale infrastructure.
Employers often seek experience with performance analysis, benchmarking, observability, and troubleshooting complex systems. Useful technical skills may include programming in languages such as C++, Java, Go, or Python; knowledge of Linux and operating systems; distributed systems and networking fundamentals; and familiarity with cloud platforms and monitoring tools. Strong analytical thinking and the ability to communicate findings across teams are also valuable.
Systems Performance Engineers work in industries where speed, scale, and uptime matter, including technology, cloud computing, finance, telecommunications, and enterprise software. Career paths may lead to senior or staff engineering positions, performance architecture, site reliability engineering, infrastructure leadership, or specialized systems research. Responsibilities and qualifications vary by employer and role.
Search Ladders for Systems Performance Engineer jobs and discover vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by employer, location, and experience level to find openings aligned with your skills and career goals.
Principal Data Platform Engineer
$160K - $185K *
Shape the future of data engineering by leading the architecture and evolution of a robust enterprise data platform, ensuring reliability and integration across analytics, reporting, and AI capabiliti...
1 week ago
Senior QA Automation Engineer (Platform)
$110K - $130K *
Empower engineering teams by building robust test automation solutions that enhance productivity. Design and own comprehensive frameworks that streamline workflows, and collaborate with product teams...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$157K - $238K *
Join a team that's redefining security by leveraging AI to enhance application safety. You'll assess vulnerabilities, develop innovative security solutions, and shape the AI security strategy across t...
2 weeks ago
$157K - $238K *
Lead the charge in enhancing application security by integrating AI-driven solutions, conducting assessments, and shaping the AI security strategy across the organization. Collaborate with cross-funct...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Quality & Automation
$110K - $130K *
Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Manager - Cloud Management Services
$165K - $185K *
Shape the future of cloud management by leading a dynamic team in delivering VMware by Broadcom solutions. Drive technical excellence, mentor talent, and ensure high-quality service delivery for enter...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...
1 week ago
Security Engineer, Channel Sales (GSI)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by collaborating with partners to identify solutions, educate stakeholders, and drive impactful engagements that enhance organizational safety and operational integri...
4 days ago
Senior Product Manager, CRM & GTM Systems
$104K - $176K *
Champion the Lead-to-Opportunity domain by driving product strategy, mentoring analysts, and enhancing the GTM tech stack. Influence the roadmap and ensure seamless lead conversion while collaborating...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at our enterprise by driving test automation strategies and building AI-assistance in QA tooling. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance test frameworks, ensuring robust quality...
4 weeks ago
$181K - $226K *
Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...
1 week ago
People Technology Analyst - Workday
$95K - $160K *
Elevate People Technology by optimizing systems and processes, ensuring data integrity, and enhancing user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and support a fast-p...
1 week ago
Sr. Staff Physical Design Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Engineer complex physical designs for next-gen AI data center chips, driving multi-million-gate blocks to meet performance, power, and area targets. Collaborate with RTL teams, enhance methodologies...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Architect solutions to enhance DevOps teams' security by managing pre-sales technical support, conducting product demos, and serving as a subject matter expert in CI/CD integrations and workflows. Eng...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager - 220781
$125K - $150K *
Tackle complex technical programs by leading cross-functional teams, driving execution from strategy to launch, and ensuring alignment across global engineering and product leaders for impactful outco...
Yesterday
$130K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of engineering by leading architectural decisions, mentoring talent, and driving scalable design within our technical ecosystem, while influencing product and engi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$197K - $240K *
Join us to define and own the product strategy for Wallets, shaping the future of stablecoin and payment solutions. Collaborate across teams to drive customer adoption and business impact through inno...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Empower our data platform by designing, building, and operating core capabilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance ingestion, storage, and API functionalities, ensuring scalability and resilience wh...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Field Enablement
$180K - $303K *
Empower customer-facing teams as you design and scale a global enablement strategy that enhances sales productivity and supports our expanding product portfolio. Drive excellence and leverage insights...
3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining theoretical physics through innovative AI tools. Collaborate to develop groundbreaking technology solutions that enhance research, streamline processes, and drive scienti...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing theoretical physics through innovative tech development. Contribute to creating the AI Physicist, enhancing research capabilities with cutting-edge tools and algorit...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager, FEHRM Healthcare Technology Management - Deployment
$95K - $125K *
Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...
1 week ago
Sr Manager, Technical Program Manager - 220755
$135K - $160K *
Transform complex technical programs by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery and fostering collaboration. Leverage your expertise to drive innovation and enhance productivity throu...
Today
What is a Systems Performance Engineer?
A Systems Performance Engineer measures and improves the speed, capacity, and efficiency of software and infrastructure. The role typically involves benchmarking, profiling, workload analysis, and working with engineering teams to resolve performance bottlenecks.
What skills are important for Systems Performance Engineer jobs?
Commonly valued skills include performance testing and profiling, programming, Linux and operating systems knowledge, distributed systems, networking, cloud platforms, and observability tools. Requirements differ by employer and specialization.
Where do Systems Performance Engineers work?
They work across sectors that depend on responsive, reliable technology, including software, cloud services, finance, telecommunications, and enterprise technology.
How can I find Systems Performance Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Systems Performance Engineer openings on Ladders, which features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Review each listing for its compensation details, location, and qualifications.