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Performance Engineering Internship Jobs in Columbia, MD

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Performance Engineering Internship information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do performance engineering internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance engineering internship in Columbia, MD is $19.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a performance engineering intern?

To thrive as a Performance Engineering Intern, you need a background in computer science or related fields, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with programming languages like Java, Python, or C++. Experience with performance testing tools (such as JMeter or LoadRunner), monitoring systems, and understanding of performance metrics is often expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help interns collaborate with teams and identify optimization opportunities. These skills are essential for analyzing system performance, diagnosing bottlenecks, and supporting efficient, scalable solutions.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a performance engineering internship?

As a Performance Engineering Intern, you’ll typically be involved in analyzing and optimizing software or system performance through tasks like load testing, benchmarking, and profiling applications. You might assist in identifying bottlenecks, tuning configurations, and collaborating with development teams to implement improvements. Interns often work closely with mentors and team members, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of tools and methodologies. This role offers valuable exposure to both technical problem-solving and cross-functional teamwork, providing a strong foundation for future opportunities in performance engineering or related fields.

What is a performance engineering internship?

A Performance Engineering Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates work with engineering teams to analyze, test, and optimize the performance of software, hardware, or systems. Interns typically assist in identifying bottlenecks, conducting performance tests, and implementing solutions to improve system speed, scalability, and reliability. This role provides hands-on experience with performance monitoring tools, coding, and collaboration with experienced engineers. It is an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills and gain insight into the field of performance engineering.

Performance Engineer

Openings & Internships

Columbia, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 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.