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Internship Performance Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Apple

Hardware Technologies PhD Internships

Washington, DC · On-site

$139K - $184K/yr

In this internship, you will have the opportunity to work among the best engineers in the world on ... Performance & Functional Modeling Performance Architecture Computer Architecture Analog Design ...

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All JobsPerformance Engineer JobsInternship Performance Engineer JobsInternship Performance Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Internship Performance Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$68

$111

How much do internship performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship performance engineer in Washington, DC is $68.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.82 and $77.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship performance engineer?

An Internship Performance Engineer is a student or recent graduate working temporarily with a company to assist in analyzing, testing, and improving the performance of software or hardware systems. Their responsibilities often include identifying bottlenecks, running benchmarks, collecting data, and helping to optimize system efficiency under the supervision of experienced engineers. This role provides hands-on experience in performance analysis tools, scripting, and collaboration within engineering teams, serving as a valuable stepping stone toward a career in performance engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an internship performance engineer expect during their internship?

As an Internship Performance Engineer, you can expect to work on projects focused on analyzing and optimizing the performance of software applications or systems. Typical responsibilities include running benchmarks, identifying bottlenecks, tuning system configurations, and collaborating with software developers to implement improvements. Interns often use performance monitoring tools and may assist in scripting automated performance tests. This role provides hands-on experience with troubleshooting and performance optimization, while also offering exposure to best practices in scalability and efficiency within a collaborative engineering team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship performance engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Performance Engineer, you need a solid foundation in computer science principles, programming (often in Java, C++, or Python), and performance analysis concepts, typically supported by ongoing studies in a related degree. Familiarity with profiling tools (such as JProfiler, Perf, or VisualVM), benchmarking suites, and version control systems is usually required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies enable interns to identify bottlenecks, collaborate with teams, and optimize systems for enhanced efficiency.

What is the difference between Internship Performance Engineer vs Performance Engineer?

AspectInternship Performance EngineerPerformance Engineer
CredentialsRelevant coursework, internship experienceBachelor's or higher in CS/Engineering, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentInternship projects, entry-level tasksFull-time, ongoing performance optimization projects
Employer & IndustryTech companies, startups, software firmsSame as internship, but with more responsibility

The Internship Performance Engineer is an entry-level role focused on learning and supporting performance testing and optimization tasks. In contrast, a Performance Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and implementing performance solutions. The internship provides foundational experience, while the full-time role involves more complex projects and greater responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Performance Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Internship Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Performance Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Internship, 54% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,596 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Performance Engineer

Openings & Internships

Columbia, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description:

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.

Requirements:

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.

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