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Performance Engineering Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

UAV Electrical Engineer

San Clemente, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

This role is critical to the performance, reliability, and scalability of the UAV platform and requires close collaboration with a small, high-performance engineering team. The ideal candidate is ...

The Director will lead four core disciplines; SRE, DevOps, Performance Engineering, and Release Management, with a clear, unifying transformation agenda: replace manual processes with intelligent ...

Director, Platform Engineering

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$171.30 - $299.80/hr

The Director will lead four core disciplines; SRE, DevOps, Performance Engineering, and Release Management, with a clear, unifying transformation agenda: replace manual processes with intelligent ...

The Director will lead four core disciplines; SRE, DevOps, Performance Engineering, and Release Management, with a clear, unifying transformation agenda: replace manual processes with intelligent ...

UAV Mechanical Engineer

San Clemente, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Close collaboration with a small, high-performance engineering team * High-impact role with direct contribution to flight hardware * Dynamic and technically challenging work environment Requirements ...

... performance engineering efforts, including SQL query tuning, execution plan analysis, indexing strategy, and statistics maintenance; establish performance baselines, capacity planning, and service ...

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Performance Engineering information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$11

$64

$105

How much do performance engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance engineering in Irvine, CA is $64.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.88 and $73.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of a performance engineer?

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

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Performance Engineering jobs in Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Performance Engineering jobs in Irvine, CA are:
Infographic showing various Performance Engineering job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,194 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

UAV Electrical Engineer

Swift Engineering

San Clemente, CA โ€ข On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Electrical Engineer to design, integrate, and own the complete electrical architecture of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle systems. This role is critical to the performance, reliability, and scalability of the UAV platform and requires close collaboration with a small, high-performance engineering team.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, self-driven, and comfortable taking full ownership of complex electrical systems from concept through flight.
Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and validate the complete electrical network of the UAV
  • Design and review custom circuit boards (PCB design) for avionics, power distribution, payloads, and communication systems
  • Own all radio communication systems, including command & control, telemetry, and payload data links
  • Integrate and manage battery management systems (BMS) and power electronics
  • Support integration of onboard payloads and sensors
  • Collaborate closely with avionics, software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams
  • Support system integration, ground testing, and flight testing activities
  • Perform troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and iterative design improvements
  • Develop and maintain electrical documentation, schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface definitions

What we Offer
  • Full system ownership and technical leadership responsibility
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge UAV platforms
  • Collaborative, high-performance engineering culture
  • Direct impact on vehicle capability and mission success

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in electrical engineering for UAVs, aerospace, robotics, or complex embedded systems
  • Strong experience with circuit board design, schematic capture, and layout
  • Solid understanding of UAV communication systems and RF integration
  • Experience with power distribution, power electronics, and battery systems
  • Ability to work effectively in a small, fast-paced, high-performance team environment
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of owning systems end-to-end

Preferred Qualified
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • Familiarity with solar power systems, energy harvesting, or long-endurance platforms
  • Experience with avionics integration and EMI/EMC considerations
  • Background in UAV, aerospace, or high-reliability systems
  • Experience supporting flight test and operational deployments

Benefits
  • 9/80 Schedule
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • 401k with company match
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.

About Swift Engineering
If you're passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.
The pay range for this role is:
130,000 - 150,000 USD per year (Swift Engineering)