Internship Performance Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Employment Type: Full-time, W2 position with Cogent People Inc. This is a direct hire position with full benefits.

Location: Hybrid Columbia MD 3 times a week OR Remote (as applicable to role)

Work Authorization Requirements

To comply with government contracting requirements, candidates must meet all of the following:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid EAD holder
• Must have lived in the United States for at least 3 of the past 5 years
• Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Sponsorship (H-1B) is not available for this position (now or in the future).

Candidates who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Clearance Requirement

Public Trust required or ability to obtain, depending on assignment.

About Cogent People Inc.

Cogent People Inc. is a government consulting and technology services firm supporting mission-critical federal and commercial programs. We deliver secure, scalable, and modern digital solutions across complex IT environments.

Our teams thrive at the intersection of engineering excellence and mission impact, building systems that matter.

Job Overview

Cogent People Inc. is seeking a Performance Engineer to support a government program delivery. This role is responsible for developing and executing performance engineering strategies that ensure systems meet scalability, reliability, and performance expectations while aligning with business goals, user needs, and technical requirements. The Performance Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify performance risks, evaluate system behavior, and support delivery efforts in compliance with CMS standards and program requirements. This position may be contingent upon contract award.

What You'll Do

• Design and execute performance, load, and scalability testing activities.
• Analyze system performance results and identify performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including technical and business stakeholders, to support performance objectives.
• Support delivery efforts aligned with CMS standards and program requirements.
• Monitor and assess application and system performance throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to documentation, reporting, and quality assurance activities.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance, quality, and documentation standards are maintained.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in performance engineering, performance testing, or related technical roles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience supporting enterprise-scale or regulated environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

What Will Set You Apart

• Relevant certifications.
• Experience supporting federal programs.
• Knowledge of Agile and DevSecOps methodologies.
• Experience supporting CMS or healthcare environments.

Why Cogent People Inc.?

At Cogent People, we combine technical excellence with a mission-driven culture. Our teams work on meaningful, high-impact projects that support government and enterprise transformation initiatives.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Exposure to complex, mission-critical systems
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Long-term client engagements with stability and continuity

We are a Certified Great Place to Work, committed to building an inclusive and high-performance culture.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (comprehensive coverage)
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks annually + 10 paid holidays
• Employee assistance and wellness resources (as applicable)

Compliance Notice

Cogent People Inc. conducts employment verification for all candidates. Misrepresentation of work authorization, residency history, or professional experience will result in disqualification.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and evaluate all applicants based on qualifications, experience, and role requirements.

We do not engage third-party recruiters for this role unless explicitly stated.