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Performance Test Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Cymertek

Automated Test Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$46.25 - $61/hr

Automated Test Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Optimize test scripts for performance REQUIRED SKILLS * Proficiency in test automation tools

Cymertek

Automated Test Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$48 - $63.25/hr

Automated Test Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Optimize test scripts for performance REQUIRED SKILLS * Proficiency in test automation tools

Cymertek

Automated Test Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$47 - $62/hr

Automated Test Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please ... Optimize test scripts for performance REQUIRED SKILLS * Proficiency in test automation tools

Cymertek

Automated Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$47.50 - $62.75/hr

Automated Test Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Optimize test scripts for performance REQUIRED SKILLS * Proficiency in test automation tools

Cymertek Corporation

Automated Test Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are looking for a detail-oriented and skilled Automated Test Engineer ... Optimize test scripts for performance REQUIRED SKILLS * Proficiency in test automation tools

Two Six Technologies

Automation Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$47 - $62.25/hr

Develops functional, end-to-end, regression, and performance tests in automated test environments ... Understands, reproduces, troubleshoots product defects and works with developers to determine the ...

Trusted Concepts, Inc.

Automation Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$47.50 - $62.75/hr

... performance tests, while collaborating with development teams to ensure software quality ... Polygraph Preferred : • Strong programming skills in JavaScript/TypeScript • Experience testing ...

Staffed4U

Test Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · Hybrid

Test Engineer / Automated Test Engineer Location: Annapolis Junction, MD Work Schedule: Full-Time ... This role will help ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of the RAD system while ...

EverWatch

Test Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

They are seeking a Test Engineer to rigorously test software for national defense, create test ... performance testing and monitor the health of large data systems. This is an opportunity to ...

Everwatch

Test Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$57.69 - $67.30/hr

Job Title Test Engineer Overview EverWatch is a government solutions company providing advanced ... You'll automate continuous security and performance testing and monitor the health of large data ...

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All JobsPerformance Test Engineer JobsPerformance Test Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Performance Test Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

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$52

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How much do performance test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance test engineer in Washington, DC is $52.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.47 and $66.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a performance test engineer?

A performance test engineer conducts testing during the entire lifecycle process of software development to ensure an efficient and satisfactory outcome. As a performance test engineer, your primary responsibilities include providing extensive troubleshooting and offering recommendations to fix technical issues. Your duties involve running tests on capacity, endurance, scenarios, stress, and performance, and designing a test system to simulate traffic loads. You monitor application operations, analyze memory usage, generate graphs, identify potential problems, and prepare detailed status reports.

What does a performance test engineer do?

A Performance Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating the speed, responsiveness, and stability of software applications under various workloads. They design and execute test plans to identify bottlenecks, ensure systems perform well under expected and peak traffic, and recommend improvements. Their work helps ensure that applications deliver a smooth and reliable experience to end users, even in high-demand situations. Performance Test Engineers often use specialized tools to simulate large numbers of users and analyze system behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a performance test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Performance Test Engineer, you need expertise in software testing methodologies, performance analysis, and scripting languages, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as JMeter, LoadRunner, or Gatling, and experience with monitoring systems and cloud platforms are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately identifying performance bottlenecks, ensuring system reliability, and collaborating across development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by performance test engineers when working on large-scale applications?

Performance Test Engineers working on large-scale applications often encounter challenges such as accurately simulating real-world user loads, identifying performance bottlenecks in complex systems, and ensuring tests reflect production environments. Coordinating with development and operations teams to set up realistic test data and environments can also be demanding. Additionally, interpreting and communicating test results to stakeholders requires strong analytical and communication skills to drive meaningful improvements.

What is the difference between Performance Test Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectPerformance Test EngineerQA Tester
Primary FocusEvaluating system performance, load, and scalabilityVerifying overall software quality and functionality
Skills & CertificationsPerformance testing tools (JMeter, LoadRunner), scripting, performance analysisManual and automated testing, bug tracking, test case design
Work EnvironmentPerformance labs, testing environments, scriptingDevelopment, testing, and user environments
Industry UsageIT, software development, telecomIT, software, manufacturing, healthcare

While both roles are essential in software quality assurance, the Performance Test Engineer specializes in assessing system performance under load, whereas the QA Tester focuses on overall functionality and defect detection. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals align skills with job requirements.

More about Performance Test Engineer jobs
Performance Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performance Test 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 $109,731 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Senior Performance Appian Test Engineer (TS Clearance)

Groundswell Agriculture Festival

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Who Are We?
Groundswell is a premier technology integrator and solution provider, resolutely committed to solving the most complex challenges facing federal agencies today. Our name, Groundswell, represents our commitment to be an unstoppable, seismic change in government. Ours is a small company culture with big company reach and results. Are you ready to be audacious, be bold and drive change at a rapid pace? Join us, where we'll make a greater impact together.
What You'll do:
We are seeking a Senior Performance Test Engineer with Appian experience to support performance testing efforts for a federal program. This role will lead end to end performance strategies, execute performance strategies, validate system scalability and reliability, and ensure the application meets defined performance and through put requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical expertise, hands-on performance testing experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and business stakeholders.
Required Experience / Qualifications
  • 6+ years of experience in performance testing within complex enterprise environments
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience performance testing Appian applications (preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in a technical consulting or client-facing role
  • Proven experience designing, developing, and executing performance test plans, scripts, and scenarios, including results analysis and reporting
  • Proficiency with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, Groovy)
  • Strong understanding of performance metrics such as response time, throughput, concurrency, and resource utilization
  • Experience analyzing performance data and identifying root causes across application, database, and infrastructure layers
  • Proficiency in writing SQL queries and stored procedures
  • Demonstrated knowledge of data objects and data architecture
  • Experience gathering throughput and SLA requirements from business stakeholders
  • Proficient in analyzing Appian logs and system information to diagnose performance issues
  • Experience mentoring or advising junior performance engineers
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Experience supporting performance efforts in structured or regulated environments (federal experience a plus)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen in accordance with contract requirements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS clearance (preference given to those holding active TS clearance)
  • This is a hybrid position and will require on-site presence at our Groundswell HQ in Mclean or other client site locations in the Norther Virginia area

Skills:
Certification:
Why You'll Never Want to Leave:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 4% 401K Match (immediate vesting)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition reimbursement, certification programs, and professional development
  • Flexible work schedule
  • On-site gym and childcare option

The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Groundswell, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
$97,756.00 - $137,530.00
NOTE: Groundswell does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Groundswell, and Groundswell will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Read a copy of the Company's Non-Discrimination Policy Statement.
Additional Resources:
  • EO 13496 Notification of Employee Rights under NLRA
  • Know your rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Disability Accessibility Accommodation: If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us at hr@gswell.com or 703-639-1777.

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