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Director Performance Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Motors

Sr. Software Performance Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$138.80K/yr

You will be responsible for helping lead our engineering efforts through planning, design and ... This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a ...

CLX Engineering

Director of Engineering

Sanford, FL · On-site

The Director of Engineering is a senior executive leadership role responsible for defining, scaling ... Build and sustain a high-performance engineering culture focused on accountability, innovation ...

CLX Engineering

Director of Engineering

Sanford, FL

$130K - $150K/yr

Description The Director of Engineering is a senior executive leadership role responsible for ... Build and sustain a high-performance engineering culture focused on accountability, innovation ...

CLX Engineering

Director of Engineering

Sanford, FL · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Description: The Director of Engineering is a senior executive leadership role responsible for ... Build and sustain a high-performance engineering culture focused on accountability, innovation ...

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Director Performance Engineering information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director performance engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director performance engineering in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Performance Engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Performance Engineering, you need deep expertise in software performance optimization, systems architecture, and a strong background in computer science or a related field, often with advanced degrees or equivalent experience. Familiarity with performance testing tools (such as JMeter, LoadRunner), monitoring platforms (like New Relic, Dynatrace), and cloud infrastructure is typically required, along with certifications in relevant technologies. Exceptional leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic problem-solving abilities make candidates stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for driving high-performing teams, ensuring system reliability, and delivering scalable solutions that support business objectives.

How does a Director of Performance Engineering typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system optimization?

A Director of Performance Engineering frequently works closely with software development, operations, and product teams to identify performance bottlenecks and implement solutions. They lead performance reviews, set benchmarks, and coordinate testing strategies to ensure systems meet business requirements. Regular communication and joint troubleshooting sessions are common, as the role requires balancing technical needs with business priorities. This collaborative approach helps ensure that performance goals are aligned across the organization and that issues are resolved efficiently.

What does a Director of Performance Engineering do?

A Director of Performance Engineering leads teams responsible for ensuring that software, systems, or applications perform optimally and efficiently at scale. They set performance goals, develop testing strategies, and oversee the identification and resolution of bottlenecks. This role involves collaborating with engineering, operations, and product teams to build robust, high-performing solutions. Additionally, they provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and define best practices for performance testing and monitoring.

What is the difference between Director Performance Engineering vs Performance Engineer?

AspectDirector Performance EngineeringPerformance Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees performance testing strategies, manages teams, and aligns performance goals with business objectives.Conducts performance testing, analyzes system performance, and reports findings to improve application efficiency.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, advanced performance testing expertise, and strategic planning.Technical performance testing skills, scripting, and performance analysis.
Work EnvironmentSenior management, cross-functional teams, strategic planning sessions.Technical teams, testing labs, development environments.

The main difference is that the Director Performance Engineering leads and strategizes performance initiatives at an organizational level, while the Performance Engineer focuses on executing performance tests and analyzing system performance. The director role involves leadership and planning, whereas the performance engineer role is more technical and hands-on.

More about Director Performance Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Performance Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Director Performance Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Performance Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Director Performance Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Performance Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Performance Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Performance Engineering jobs are:
Director Performance Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Performance Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.
Development & Performance Engineering Manager

Development & Performance Engineering Manager

NRG

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success-take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!
Job Summary:
Works within NRG's Development, Engineering and Construction department reporting to the Sr. Director - Development Engineering. Supports NRG's front end project development efforts by generating power plant equipment configurations including development of heat and material balances to predict performance in support of financial modeling, environmental permitting, utility interconnection and general siting efforts. Engages with Major OEMs on equipment performance and technology advancements to maintain NRG's competitiveness. Remains current on and analyzes emerging technologies and how they may support NRG's growth goals in the future.
Responsibilities:
  • Leads major equipment selection and performance assessments on large power generation facilities including gas fired simple and combined cycle facilities, wind, solar and battery projects.
  • Interfaces with project developers, finance and environmental teams to optimize plant configurations and performance
  • Supports NRG DE&C Group's contract negotiations with OEMs and EPC firms by reviewing/setting contract plant performance requirements and penalties
  • Keeps abreast of technology trends such as decarbonization of power generation, evolving storage alternatives, etc. and provides guidance on how these technologies could support NRG's development goals
  • Interact with and support DE&C project team members on the overall development effort of projects.
  • Interact with consulting A/E firm multi-discipline team to perform the appropriate level of engineering activities to develop investment-grade project estimates for presentation to NRG Sr. Management & Board of Directors for project approval.
  • Support review of upgrades and proposed modifications to existing generation fleet assets and facilities
  • Participate in due diligence of asset and facility purchases by reviewing predicted performance, operating history, upgrades, etc.
  • Supports plant performance testing and reviews and certifies final performance tests of EPC Contractors
  • Has knowledge of and can support high voltage interconnection application activities, including electrical equipment sizing such as transformers & breakers and ensuring equipment characteristics support Transmission Owner technical requirements.
  • Support VP-Engineering, VP-Generation Project Construction, and VP-Environmental Compliance and Plant Improvement Projects in scoping and planning new EPC projects.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
  • 10 years of practical utility scale major projects or related heavy industrial industries experience (> $50M).
  • Valid State Driver's License

Preferred:
  • Knowledge of power plant equipment and systems, codes and standards, and environmental regulations.
  • Proficiency in Thermoflow, GateCycle and/or Ebsilon heat balance and plant design software.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD.
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships and communicate with a broad spectrum of individuals at all organizational levels.
  • Strong analytical skills and detail orientation.
  • Creative problem-solving capabilities and an ability to think outside the box.
  • Ability to manage complex projects across multiple areas of the organization with competing priorities.

Working Conditions:
  • Primarily normal office environment but will include plant and/or construction site environment, including working at heights, high/low ambient temperatures, and high/low humidity at project/plant work locations.
  • Requires standing, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect or collect data on plant equipment.
  • Work overtime and non-standard working hours as required.
  • The job requires operation of a motor vehicle.
  • Requires compliance with the corporate safety program, including wearing personnel protection equipment such as safety glasses, appropriate footwear, clothing, hardhat, earplugs, etc. at plants and project sites. May be required to work around energized and rotating equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
  • Requires occasional overnight travel from permanent work location. On occasion may require international travel.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.
Official description on file with Talent.
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About NRG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

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