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Performance Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

HGA is seeking a Building Performance Engineer to support our offices and diverse market sectors across the country. In this role, you'll collaborate with project teams to address a range of building ...

Building Performance Engineer

Middleton, WI · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

HGA is seeking a Building Performance Engineer to support our offices and diverse market sectors across the country. In this role, you'll collaborate with project teams to address a range of building ...

Renewables Performance Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

We are currently seeking a Renewables Performance Engineer to join our growing Distributed Energy Resources (DER) National team. Your passion, experience and endless curiosity are the drivers we need ...

We are currently seeking a Renewables Performance Engineer to join our growing Distributed Energy Resources (DER) National team. Your passion, experience and endless curiosity are the drivers we need ...

DevOps Engineer

Verona, WI · On-site

$54 - $74/hr

Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and propose solutions to improve DevOps processes. * Craft and oversee documentation related to DevOps strategies, procedures, and toolchains.

Sharpe Engineering & Equipment is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support the design ... Prepare performance specifications and RFQs, and coordinate with vendors throughout the equipment ...

Sharpe Engineering & Equipment is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support the design ... Prepare performance specifications and RFQs, and coordinate with vendors throughout the equipment ...

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Performance Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$59

$97

How much do performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance engineer in Madison, WI is $59.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.13 and $67.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Performance engineers or senior software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost living areas or at top tech companies. Such roles often require expertise in performance optimization, large-scale systems, and advanced tools, along with leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Performance Engineer vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectPerformance EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing system performance, load testing, scalabilityFunctional testing, bug identification, feature validation
Required SkillsPerformance testing tools, scripting, system analysisTest case design, automation, defect tracking
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, QA, DevOpsQA teams, development teams
CertificationsPerformance testing certifications (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner)ISTQB, software testing certifications

Performance Engineers focus on system performance, scalability, and load testing, ensuring applications run efficiently under stress. Software Test Engineers primarily verify functionality and identify bugs. While both roles require testing skills, Performance Engineers specialize in performance metrics and optimization, making their roles complementary but distinct.

What is the work of performance engineer?

A performance engineer is responsible for analyzing, testing, and optimizing software and system performance to ensure reliability and efficiency. They use tools like load testing and monitoring software to identify bottlenecks and improve system scalability, often working closely with development and operations teams.

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

To thrive as a Performance Engineer, you need strong analytical abilities, a solid understanding of software architecture, and experience with load testing and profiling, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as JMeter, LoadRunner, New Relic, and monitoring systems, as well as scripting languages, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying system bottlenecks, optimizing performance, and ensuring a seamless user experience.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Performance engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in testing, automation, and performance tuning, can earn $300,000 or more annually in senior or specialized roles. High compensation often requires expertise with tools like LoadRunner or JMeter, relevant certifications, and work in competitive industries such as finance or technology. Salary levels vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What do performance engineers do?

Performance engineers analyze and optimize software systems to ensure they meet performance requirements, such as speed, scalability, and stability. They use tools like load testing and monitoring software to identify bottlenecks and improve system efficiency, often working closely with development and QA teams. Strong knowledge of scripting, performance testing tools, and system architecture is essential for this role.

What is a Performance Engineer?

A Performance Engineer is a professional who ensures that software applications and systems run efficiently and meet performance requirements. They analyze, test, and optimize system performance by identifying bottlenecks, conducting load and stress testing, and recommending improvements. Performance Engineers work closely with development and operations teams to ensure that applications can handle expected user loads and deliver a smooth user experience. Their work is crucial in preventing slowdowns, crashes, and other performance-related issues in production environments.

What Is Performance Engineering?

Performance engineering is the development of software solutions for specific business problems. As a performance engineer, your responsibilities are to identify issues, whether for a particular company or an industry, and develop software that directly addresses them. To become a performance engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering, two to five years of information technology (IT) work experience, and excellent problem solving skills. Organizations like HyPerformix offer professional certifications, like their Enterprise Performance Engineering program, which can significantly boost your qualifications. Your additional job duties include performing routine maintenance and service, experimenting with possible solutions in the test environment, and monitoring system performance.

What are some common challenges Performance Engineers face when optimizing complex systems?

Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying bottlenecks in multi-tiered or distributed systems, balancing trade-offs between speed and resource consumption, and ensuring that performance improvements do not compromise system reliability. They frequently work with cross-functional teams, requiring strong communication skills to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations. Staying up-to-date with evolving tools and best practices is also essential, as technology stacks and performance benchmarks continually change.
What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Performance Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Performance Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Performance Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Performance Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,611 per year, or $59.9 per hour.
Building Performance Engineer

Building Performance Engineer

HGA

Middleton, WI

$83K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Bring Your Engineering Passion, Collaboration, and Expertise to HGA and join us as a Building Performance Engineer!

Are you passionate about high-performance buildings and sustainable design? HGA is seeking a Building Performance Engineer to support our offices and diverse market sectors across the country.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with project teams to address a range of building performance and energy optimization goals throughout all phases of design, construction, and operation. Your contributions will directly support and elevate HGA’s commitment to industry-leading sustainable design.

As part of HGA’s Building Performance Group, you’ll engage in a variety of meaningful services, including:

  • Leading commissioning efforts from design through construction for MEP systems.
  • Leading retro-commissioning projects to enhance performance and reduce energy costs in existing buildings.
  • Designing renewable energy systems, including solar PV and battery storage.
  • Leading decarbonization planning for new and existing facilities.
  • Performing energy modeling and analysis to provide strategic sustainability guidance to design teams.
  • Applying knowledge of HVAC and electrical systems to design high-performance solutions, including heat pumps and geothermal systems.
  • Helping to develop effective training tools for architects and engineers to advance building performance.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on sustainable architecture, engineering, and integrated design. If you're ready to shape the future of building performance—we’d love to hear from you!

In this role you will:

 

  • Identify and document high performance opportunities for existing and new construction buildings through commissioning and retro-commissioning.
  • Assist design teams to increase design projects’ energy performance.
  • Assist design teams with strategy and compliance with energy-related documentation such as code, LEED, and region-specific programs such as Minnesota B3 and California Title 24.
  • Collaboratively identify opportunities and develop appropriate and effective performance studies.
  • Execute a wide range of simulation workflows including climate analysis, energy benchmarking, occupant comfort criteria (thermal, daylighting and glare), façade and envelope optimization and conceptual energy modeling.
  • Clearly communicate the findings/results to project teams through effective documentation and visualizations.
  • Assist with planning study projects.
  • Interact and communicates effectively and professionally with other team members.
  • Show flexibility and adaptability to change within a fast-paced, team environment, often with tight deadline.
  • Support an internal network charged with advancing HGA’s sustainability practice by:
    • Researching emerging tools and assisting in the development of new workflows.
    • Assisting in ongoing office-wide training efforts to elevate our internal knowledge and support a network of experts in all HGA offices. 
    • Collaborating with an internal team of building performance practitioners.

You will need to have:

 

  • Minimum Bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering or mechanical engineering.
  • PE license preferred.
  • 3+ years’ experience in engineering, sustainable design, energy analysis, or commissioning.
  • LEED AP credential and/or ASHRAE credentials and/or CABEC Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) preferred.
  • Familiarity or experience with the new and existing building energy performance services such as commissioning & retro-commissioning.
  • Experience with digital building performance analysis tools such as OpenStudio, Trane Trace, eQuest, EnergyPlus, IES, DesignBuilder, TRNSYS, Climate Consultant, Ladybug and Honeybee for Grasshopper, DIVA for Rhino, COMFEN, WUFI, Therm, etc.
  • Knowledgeable in building certification programs (LEED, LBC, WELL), building energy codes, and ASHRAE Standards such as 55, 62.1, 90.1 and 209.
  • Knowledge and experience with economic grants and incentive programs preferred.
  • Working knowledge of architectural production software: AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or related software.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Salary Information:

 

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $83,200 - $111,400.

Additional Information:

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work-life balance, and empower your desired career growth. HGA is a national award-winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering.

Learn more about us here.

Application Requirements & Instructions
Please submit resume for consideration.



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About HGA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1953