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.
Performance Engineer - COS-1034-019
$95K - $115K *
Engage in system performance engineering to meet and validate non-functional requirements within mission operations at NASA. Collaborate with teams to enhance system operations and support critical ma...
2 weeks ago
Platform & Site Reliability Engineer
$107K - $117K *
Transform cloud infrastructure and enhance reliability by designing, automating, and optimizing AWS environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and efficient depl...
1 week ago
$124K - $135K *
Lead the development and implementation of quality plans, ensuring compliance with agency specifications while overseeing QA/QC activities and documentation for large-scale construction projects in tr...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Data Center - Design Engineering and Construction - Ops Eng
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in data center operations by leading complex electrical engineering projects. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance system performance and reliability while s...
6 days ago
Product Engineer II - Rack Integration
$100K - $160K *
Transform your career by designing integrated rack solutions for enterprise data centers. Lead rack-level design from concept to installation, ensuring optimal performance through collaboration and in...
Today
Linux and Windows Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Innovate with us to design, configure, and maintain Linux and Windows systems for cutting-edge research projects, ensuring secure and efficient IT support while collaborating closely with researchers...
2 weeks ago
Operations Engineer - Enterprise Capacity (Hybrid)
$86K - $165K *
Shape the future of aerospace by driving capacity strategy and insights across a complex manufacturing network. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data and present actionable recommend...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$84K - $90K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and validate innovative sensor systems. Collaborate on cross-functional projects, driving solutions from concept through deployment while ensuring optimal performance an...
2 weeks ago
$190K - $215K *
Join a team that's tackling critical healthcare challenges by designing software solutions. Collaborate across disciplines, engage with users, and own the development process, driving impactful change...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Design Reliability Engineer
$137K - $195K *
Drive the charge in engineering excellence by leading design reviews and fostering best practices for reliability in cutting-edge aerospace systems, ensuring safety and operational integrity in artifi...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in operational excellence by driving continuous improvement initiatives. Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and data analytics to enhance productivity and quality across U.S. and Canadian operat...
6 days ago
Site Reliability Engineer | Predictions Tech
$135K - $160K *
Elevate reliability and performance at scale by designing and maintaining tooling for production systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance observability and operational efficiency in...
Yesterday
CPU Post-Silicon Performance Engineer
$147K - $221K *
Join a dynamic team to drive CPU silicon bring-up and validation, collaborating with design and software teams to ensure successful productization from first silicon to market. Your expertise will sha...
1 week ago
Senior Aerospace Production Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Develop and optimize production processes for aerospace turbine components, leading technical projects and driving improvements in quality and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to support operation...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer - System Architecture
$150K - $185K *
Lead the development of innovative system architectures for complex life science instruments. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration across subsystems, focusing on performan...
3 weeks ago
$134K - $185K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in space mission programs. Oversee schedules, budgets, and risk management while collaborating across functions to deliver cutting-edge capabilities and ensure st...
Today
$133K - $161K *
Drive innovation in aerospace by leading component selection and qualification efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and ensure compliance with industry stand...
6 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock your potential by designing and maintaining cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security for applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to implement best practices in a fast...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by transforming spatial AI research into practical solutions that enhance user experiences for homebuyers and builders, driving innovation in generative floor plan capabilities within...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower legal professionals by transforming complex processes into intuitive AI solutions. Collaborate with attorneys to innovate workflows, ensuring impactful software that enhances productivity and...
1 week ago
Applications Engineer 4 (SIEM)
$178K - $260K *
Lead the charge in developing software tools for enhanced reuse and analysis while independently managing software development lifecycles, quality assurance, and technical documentation aligned with c...
3 weeks ago
Applications Engineer 4 (SIEM)
$178K - $260K *
Architect innovative software solutions that enhance reuse and domain analytics. Lead development efforts by utilizing formal specifications, ensuring quality, and mentoring team members while collabo...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Deployment Systems
$120K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous defense technology by designing and developing full-stack applications that enhance deployment, monitoring, and logistics workflows for cutting-edge...
1 week ago
$72K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...
4 days ago
Service Reliability Engineering Technical Lead
$250K - $300K *
Drive the evolution of a robust Kubernetes platform, ensuring performance and reliability across hundreds of clusters. Collaborate with teams to optimize infrastructure, automate processes, and delive...
2 weeks 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.