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.
CPU Performance Engineer, Platform Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Elevate CPU performance by optimizing micro-architecture and memory subsystems. Collaborate with experts to identify bottlenecks, refine ideas, and enhance simulation environments for data-driven deci...
Today
CPU Performance and Workload Analysis Engineer, Platform Architecture
$145K - $175K *
Lead the charge in optimizing CPU architectures by collaborating with cross-functional teams, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance performance, and guiding future CPU developments through effect...
1 week ago
Systems Performance Modeling Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Transform generative AI performance predictions by modeling workloads on scalable systems. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to innovate and validate performance models, ensuring accuracy from...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Systems Performance, CoreOS
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development of Apple’s operating systems by tackling performance challenges across usability, API design, and cross-platform compatibility, while collaborating with app developers to enha...
5 days ago
CPU Performance Engineer, Platform Architecture
$130K - $155K *
Optimize CPU performance by analyzing micro-architecture and workloads, collaborating with design teams to enhance simulation environments and drive innovation in branch prediction and prefetching tec...
1 week ago
CPU Performance Engineer, Platform Architecture
$145K - $175K *
Transform CPU performance through innovative micro-architecture analysis, collaborating with experts to identify bottlenecks and enhance simulation environments for data-driven decisions and team prod...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer III, Performance, Google Cloud Platforms
$147K - $210K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and enhancing innovative software solutions. Leverage your technical skills to manage project priorities and deliverables while collaborating with peers to dr...
3 days ago
Sr Performance Validation Engineer
$183K - $247K *
Lead innovative validation strategies for pre-silicon performance in complex SoCs. Collaborate with design teams to ensure optimal power and functionality, enhancing chip designs before tape-out acros...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Optimize critical performance systems and enhance user experience through high-performance computing and low-level systems expertise while collaborating with a dedicated team in a dynamic environment...
3 weeks ago
Software Performance Engineer for Memory, CoreOS
$145K - $175K *
Empower innovation across iOS, macOS, and watchOS by collaborating with diverse software teams. Drive performance optimization and feature development through coding expertise and best practices, enha...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in diagnosing and resolving critical production issues across proprietary trading systems, ensuring optimal performance and seamless trade execution in a fast-paced environment...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer III, Performance, Platforms Infrastructure Engineering
$147K - $210K *
Join a team that's redefining AI and Infrastructure, driving innovation and delivering scalable solutions. Leverage your technical expertise to manage projects, enhance software, and empower users glo...
6 days ago
Senior Operational Performance Engineer, Performance Tracking & Evidence Strategy
$155K - $195K *
Drive vehicle performance excellence by tracking and assessing data from design to production. Collaborate across engineering teams to close performance gaps and enhance future vehicle designs through...
1 week ago
$115K - $150K *
Transform the future of propulsion by guiding engine cycle models, validating data, and collaborating with design teams to innovate high-performance turbine engines. This role offers a chance to shape...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform wireless communications by leveraging your expertise in DAS networks and radio technologies. Join a dynamic team focused on optimizing performance and fostering innovation in both indoor and...
3 weeks ago
System Performance Engineer - AI/ML, Platform Architecture
$138K - $165K *
Join our team to enhance product performance by benchmarking AI experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and optimize system performance, ensuring excellence in AI/ML workloads...
1 week ago
System Performance Engineer - AI/ML, Platform Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to optimize AI/ML performance across platforms, ensuring excellence in product experiences through rigorous benchmarking and analysis. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive innov...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Google Cloud Compute, Performance
$207K - $300K *
Innovate with us to drive architectural direction for next-gen VM offerings, optimizing performance and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to deliver scalable solutions that empower Google Cloud cus...
6 days ago
Operations Engineer, SSD Startup
$68K - $103K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing same-day delivery! Lead cross-functional projects, manage stakeholders, and ensure timely execution of facility infrastructure initiatives while tackling challenges...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
CPU Performance & Workload Analysis Architect, Platform Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of CPU architecture by bridging hardware and software. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize performance and drive innovations in next-gen designs, ensuring efficient application...
1 week ago
Senior Software Performance Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles
$224K - $431K *
Unlock potential by optimizing autonomous driving software performance. Collaborate across teams to enhance latency and throughput, leveraging cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic, multi-hardware en...
Reposted 1 week 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 4 days ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Unlock potential by leading test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to design automated benchmarks and validate deployment safety, ensuring high standards acr...
4 days ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Contribute to the development of robust test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to ensure deployment safety and validate systems, while mentoring others in st...
4 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead the charge in performance engineering by designing strategies, building automated tests, and collaborating with teams to enhance product reliability and scalability, ensuring a seamless customer...
Reposted 3 days ago
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.