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.
$160K - $500K+*
Help us define, design, and validate power architecture for AI data centers, driving innovation in power efficiency and system performance. Collaborate across teams to bring cutting-edge solutions fro...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive the architecture and automation of core IT systems, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and support executives in a fast-paced envi...
1 week ago
Site Reliability Engineer - Grid Orchestration Software
$93K - $140K *
Optimize system reliability and performance by integrating GridOS solutions, managing incidents, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure high-quality deploym...
5 days ago
$160K - $195K *
Transform the engineering landscape by leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative products that meet safety, quality, and cost targets while nurturing talent and driving continuous improvem...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to design and develop complex software systems, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with engineering teams to deliver reliable solutions across mission-critical environments...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $500K+*
Drive innovative power solutions for cutting-edge AI data centers, managing power architecture from rack to chip. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure efficiency and performance in high-power desi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $135K *
Lead the charge in designing and maintaining enterprise Linux systems, optimizing Nutanix infrastructure, and automating processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performanc...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $145K *
Elevate our mission by leveraging your expertise in Linux systems to support and optimize enterprise solutions, ensuring high performance and reliability in sophisticated environments through automati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$138K - $173K *
Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality software delivery. Lead and mentor a team of engineers while optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous impro...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development and integration of advanced hypersonic weapon systems, managing complex technical baselines and guiding risk management efforts. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensur...
2 weeks ago
Staff CPU Physical Design Engineer, Silicon gCPU
$192K - $278K *
Lead end-to-end physical design strategy and execution, optimizing PPA for critical CPU blocks. Collaborate across teams to pioneer methodologies and resolve complex design challenges in advanced proc...
1 week ago
Power Systems Engineer, Data Center Infrastructure - Memphis
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop advanced electrical power systems for cutting-edge facilities, contributing to impactful global infrastructure projects while managing diverse technical chall...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Power Systems Engineer, Data Center Infrastructure - Memphis
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing advanced electrical systems for cutting-edge facilities. Collaborate across teams to develop power distribution, enhance troubleshooting efforts, and ensure compliance wit...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K - $200K *
Lead the charge in ensuring reliable, efficient systems through automation and troubleshooting. Own the processes critical to AI and GPU workloads while collaborating with cross-functional teams to el...
Reposted 4 days ago
$130K - $200K *
Grow your career with a role focused on SRE practices, owning systems, automating operations, and improving service reliability for AI and GPU workloads in a dynamic environment. Join a team dedicated...
Reposted 4 days ago
$130K - $200K *
Optimize your expertise by owning systems and enhancing production reliability through effective automation, tooling, and incident management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive improvements acro...
Reposted 4 days ago
$130K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining reliability: lead automation, troubleshoot, and enhance systems supporting AI and GPU workloads; your expertise will elevate service health and incident response in a fas...
Reposted 4 days ago
$85K - $107K *
Join a team that champions quality excellence by overseeing validation, compliance, and risk management for innovative products. Lead cross-functional collaborations to ensure safe regulatory practice...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading complex test and evaluation activities, analyzing system requirements, and developing strategies to ensure mission-critical effectiveness and risk management in collaborati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Quality & Reliability Engineer, Hardware Engineering Services
$159K - $215K *
Champion quality and reliability for cutting-edge liquid cooling components in next-gen server systems. Drive comprehensive validation strategies, supplier quality initiatives, and cross-functional co...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Technical Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate your career by leading large-scale, cross-functional programs in data and AI. Drive execution, manage dependencies, and influence strategy while collaborating with engineering and product t...
1 week ago
Senior Program Manager, Compute & Production IPT (Onsite)
$132K - $251K *
Champion program execution by leading cross-functional teams to deliver hardware solutions for a major defense initiative. Drive technical performance, financial results, and schedule adherence while...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Drive excellence in network infrastructure by designing, supporting, and enhancing enterprise environments. Ensure seamless operations and introduce innovative solutions that empower sustainable growt...
Reposted 1 week ago
$145K - $160K *
Join a team that's integral to transforming military communications and battle management. Leverage your extensive systems engineering expertise to deliver resilient solutions that enhance operational...
4 weeks ago
$100K *
Shape the future of OSD manufacturing by providing expert process engineering support, ensuring compliance with GMP standards, and collaborating closely with clients and stakeholders to troubleshoot a...
3 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.