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Performance Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Beyond SOF

Software Engineer - Full Performance

Herndon, VA · On-site

$143K/yr

Software Engineer - Full Performance Summary : Analyzes user interfaces, maintain hardware and software performance tuning, analyze workload and computer usage, maintain interfaces with outside ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Performance Tester

Vienna, VA · On-site

Job Title: QA Performance Engineer Location: Vienna, VA Type: Contract Compensation: Work Model: Hybrid - onsite and remote Hours: 40.0 Responsibilities • Perform load, stress, endurance, and ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Sr. Performance Test Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$69 - $74/hr

Experience with database performance validation and large-scale data warehouse or data lake environments. * Knowledge of scripting, programming, or query languages such as JavaScript, Java, Groovy ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Sr. Performance Test Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$69.24 - $74.24/hr

Experience with database performance validation and large-scale data warehouse or data lake environments. Knowledge of scripting, programming, or query languages such as JavaScript, Java, Groovy ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Sr. Performance Test Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$69 - $74/hr

Experience with database performance validation and large-scale data warehouse or data lake environments. * Knowledge of scripting, programming, or query languages such as JavaScript, Java, Groovy ...

ETalentNetwork

Senior Peformance Engineer

Bowie, MD · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

ETalentNetwork is a company seeking a Senior Performance Engineer. The role involves ensuring the performance and reliability of applications through rigorous testing and optimization processes.

Saic

AI Engineer - SETA

Columbia, MD · On-site

$240 - $280/hr

Support test and evaluation activities for AI tools, including performance assessment, qualitative review, and workflow validation. * Collaborate with platform engineers, product leads, mission users ...

Torch.AI

AI/ML Engineer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Collaborate with data engineering and backend teams to integrate ML capabilities into scalable ... Implement evaluation workflows tied to measurable mission performance (accuracy, latency ...

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Performance Engineer information

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How much do performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 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 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 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 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.

How much do performance engineers make in the US?

Performance engineers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in tools like JMeter or LoadRunner can command higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000.
More about Performance Engineer jobs

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:

What are popular job titles related to Performance Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Performance Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Performance Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Performance Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performance Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,596 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Software Engineer - Full Performance

Beyond SOF

Herndon, VA • On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer - Full Performance
Summary:
Analyzes user interfaces, maintain hardware and software performance tuning, analyze workload and computer usage, maintain interfaces with outside systems, analyze downtimes, analyze proposed system modifications, upgrades and new COTS. Defines the problem, and develops system requirements and program specifications, from which programmers prepare detailed flow charts, programs, and tests.
Coordinates closely with programmers to ensure proper implementation of program and system specifications. Develops, in conjunction with functional users, system alternative solutions.
Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities
  • Advise customer about, or perform, maintenance of software system.
  • Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.
  • Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
  • Confer with data processing and project managers to obtain information on limitations and capabilities for data processing projects.
  • Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
  • Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals and technical issues such as software system design and maintenance.
  • Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements and resolve customer problems.
  • Coordinate installation of software system.
  • Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures. Estimate software development costs and schedule.
  • Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
  • Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
  • Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
  • Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.
  • Prepare reports and correspondence concerning project specifications, activities and status.
  • Review existing programs and assist in making refinements, reducing operating time, and improve current techniques.
  • Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
  • Train users to use new or modified equipment.
  • Utilize microcontrollers to develop control signals, implement control algorithms and measure process variables such as temperatures, pressures and positions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will Understand
  • Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  • Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Minimum Education
  • General equivalency guidelines for education, certifications, and experience are provided below; however, these guidelines do not immediately qualify someone at a particular level. Skill levels for an individual are based upon a combination of education, training, and experience, e.g. someone may have 20 years of professional experience; however they may only be qualified as Full Performance based upon the expertise needed to perform the work within that category.
  • General professional years of experience may be substituted for specialized years of experience at a ratio of three (3) years of general experience within an occupation for one (1) year of specialized experience.
  • Relevant certifications will be considered equivalent to three (3) months of specialized experience.
  • An Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to eighteen (18) months specialized experience.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to three (3) years specialized experience (total equivalency is not cumulative when combined with an Associate's degree).
  • A Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to two (2) years specialized experience (up to a total of five (5) years when combined with a Bachelor's).
  • A Doctorate in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to two (2) years specialized experience (up to a total of seven (7) years when combined with a Master's and a Bachelor's).

Minimum Experience
Full Performance:
  • Someone that is fully capable of delivering capabilities related to a particular skill, language, system, or technology.
  • Requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience specific to the skill.
  • Ability, training and actual work experience with the specific computer language, systems, and/or technology is significantly more important than the number of years of experience. This is especially true with emerging technologies

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