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Performance Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Qualifications โ€ข BS in Computer Science or equivalent. โ€ข 5+ years in Android performance engineering. โ€ข Expertise in Java/Kotlin for Android and generative AI (AI workflow automation ...

Performance Engineer, GPU

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$280K - $850K/yr

Pioneering the next generation of AI requires breakthrough innovations in GPU performance and systems engineering. As a GPU Performance Engineer, you'll architect and implement the foundational ...

Senior Performance Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site +1

$127K - $175K/yr

Responsibilities As a member of Performance Engineering Team: * You will own defining test strategies and designing and implementing measurement and analysis tools needed in our performance studies.

Training Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$250K - $445K/yr

This role blends deep systems understanding with practical performance engineering - analyzing GPU kernel performance, collective communication throughput, investigating I/O bottlenecks, and sharding ...

Miniumum Qualifications * BS in Computer Science or equivalent. * 5+ years in Android performance engineering. * Expertise in Java/Kotlin for Android. * Deep understanding of Android OS architecture ...

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Performance Engineering information

See California salary details

$10

$59

$96

How much do performance engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance engineering in California is $59.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.65 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a performance engineer do?

A performance engineer is responsible for analyzing, testing, and optimizing software and systems to ensure they meet performance requirements. They use tools like load testing and monitoring software to identify bottlenecks and improve system efficiency, often working closely with development and operations teams. Strong skills in scripting, performance testing tools, and understanding of system architecture are essential for this role.

How does a Performance Engineer typically collaborate with development and operations teams to resolve application bottlenecks?

Performance Engineers play a vital role in bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work closely with developers to analyze application code and identify potential performance issues early in the development lifecycle. Additionally, they partner with operations teams to monitor system performance in production, interpret logs, and recommend infrastructure or configuration changes. This collaborative approach helps ensure that performance bottlenecks are identified and addressed quickly, leading to more reliable and scalable applications.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Performance engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in performance testing, and certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in large organizations, specialized expertise in tools like LoadRunner or JMeter, and the ability to optimize complex systems under demanding conditions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Performance engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and expertise in tools like load testing and monitoring, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Such high salaries are typically found in senior or specialized roles within large tech companies or consulting firms, often requiring certifications and a strong track record of delivering performance improvements.

What is performance engineering?

Performance engineering is a discipline in software and systems development focused on ensuring applications and systems meet required speed, scalability, and stability standards. It involves analyzing, designing, testing, and optimizing performance throughout the software development lifecycle. Performance engineers use specialized tools and methodologies to detect bottlenecks, simulate real-world loads, and recommend improvements. Their goal is to deliver reliable, high-performing products to end users.

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, expertise in software performance testing, and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, APM solutions, and scripting languages is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as ISTQB Performance Testing. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you identify bottlenecks and collaborate with development teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring applications meet performance standards and deliver a seamless user experience.

What is the difference between Performance Engineering vs Performance Testing?

AspectPerformance EngineeringPerformance Testing
FocusDesigning, developing, and implementing strategies to ensure system performance throughout the development lifecycleExecuting tests to measure system performance under specific conditions
ActivitiesPerformance planning, monitoring, optimization, and capacity planningLoad testing, stress testing, and benchmarking
Skills & CertificationsPerformance testing tools, scripting, monitoring, performance analysisPerformance testing tools, scripting, test execution
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with developers, architects, and operations teamsPrimarily testing teams and QA departments

Performance Engineering involves proactive strategies to optimize system performance throughout development, while Performance Testing focuses on evaluating system performance through specific tests. Both roles require similar skills but differ in scope and objectives, with Performance Engineering being more comprehensive and ongoing.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Performance engineering roles at senior levels, such as Principal Performance Engineer or Director of Performance Engineering, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in large tech companies or financial institutions. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in systems optimization, and often involve leadership responsibilities and specialized certifications. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options.
What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Performance Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Performance Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Performance Engineering job openings:
Performance Engineer

Performance Engineer

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

Glendale, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position - QA Load Testing Engineer / Performance Engineer
Duration - 6 months
Location - Glendale, CA 91201
Interview - Hire off skype/phone
Job Description
The role of the QA Load Testing Engineer / Performance Engineer is to support revamping the Disney Moving Club (DMC) application and migrating that web application to the AWS Public Cloud. The QA Load Testing Engineer / Performance Engineer would be responsible for implementation of performance test standards for the web application as it migrates to AWS. The goal is to complete the migration project by January 2019.
Must have a minimum of 3 years' experience in the below areas:
  • Experience with Load Testing Tools Apache JMeter and Blazemeter
  • Web Application Testing (Cloud experience preferred)
  • Experience supporting an Ecommerce environment or a high traffic public web site

Interview Process
โ€ข 30 minute Phone Interview with Off-Shore test team
โ€ข Phone or Video Conference interview with the Program Manager and the Systems Engineering Team