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Performance Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SAP BASIS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68.75 - $89.75/hr

Performance Engineering Expertise in SAP Systems (Preferred: Automotive Industry Applications) Job Responsibilities: * Lead architecture assessments (platform, infrastructure, application, data, and ...

Embedded Software Engineer 4

Mossville, IL · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Linux systems + concurrency + performance engineering Education/Experience: • Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or relevant field required. • 8-10 years experience

Embedded Software Engineer 4

Mossville, IL · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Linux systems + concurrency + performance engineering Education/Experience: • Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or relevant field required. • 8-10 years experience

Reporting to the Vice President of Systems and Performance Engineering, Aviation Connectivity Solutions, you will lead a global team responsible for architecting and validating complex end-to-end ...

Reporting to the Vice President of Systems and Performance Engineering, Aviation Connectivity Solutions, you will lead a global team responsible for architecting and validating complex end-to-end ...

Reporting to the Vice President of Systems and Performance Engineering, Aviation Connectivity Solutions, you will lead a global team responsible for architecting and validating complex end-to-end ...

$141K - $151K/yr

Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent degree in Computer Science, Engineering (any), Business ... performance testing, Leveraging tools like New Relic, Splunk, Neoload, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or ...

Boasting a diverse team of over 1,500 engineering experts hailing from various nations and cultures across the globe, we are excellently poised to provide intricate and personalized resolutions to ...

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Performance Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$58

$95

How much do performance engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance engineering in Illinois is $58.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.74 and $65.91 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Performance Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Performance Engineering job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,146 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
Performance Contracting Engineer - Chicago

Performance Contracting Engineer - Chicago

Nenni and Associates

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Able to lead energy audits and retro-commissioning type activities; includes identifying energy savings measures, calculating energy savings, estimating implementation costs and prepare assessment reports
  • Assist the sales staff to qualify the feasibility of energy efficiency and capital improvement opportunities. This will involve attending selected customer meetings, conducting site trips to collect facility and utility data; and developing and running energy screening models to determine the technical and economic viability of energy efficiency and capital improvement projects. Screening models include: bin analyses, hourly building simulation computer models, and commercially-available analysis packages.
  • Preform preliminary engineering/design, project metering and measurements of critical parameters; and coordinating with external vendors and contractors to develop designs and technical proposals.
  • Develop technical scope of work for selected technologies and manage internal and external engineering resources in order to determine cost and schedule.
  • Provide the majority of the proposal input, including detailed technical project descriptions, legal risk and responsibility definitions, financial descriptions, and detailed supporting documentation of contractor quotes, simulation results, and cost and savings derivations.
  • Successfully build alliances and influence key decisions makers (on all levels)
  • Deliver and manage work with minimal or no guidance including the design, development, and implementation of efficiency and/or commissioning projects

Education Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or construction related degree required
  • PE Professional Certification preferred

Experience Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of relevant work experience in HVAC, EMS and central plant design
  • Experience in energy analysis to identify, screen, and develop energy conservation measures for EPC and design build projects
  • General experience with the Federal ESPC, State and Local Performance Contracting, and/or Demand Side Management programs preferred.
  • Specific experience with building energy systems including HVAC, Central Utilities and Electrical Systems.
  • Possess highly developed interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills
  • Technical or proposal writing experience
  • Ideal candidates will have extensive knowledge of energy-efficient technologies, their application and energy auditing; familiarity with the use of standard energy engineering software, measurement and verification of savings for performance contracts, and project cost accounting and estimating as well as general experience with design, construction, and AutoCAD
  • Knowledge and experience with building simulation tools such as Visual DOE, Trace, Carrier E20, eQuest, etc. is a plus

Benefits Offered:
  • Competitive base salary
  • Healthcare benefits