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Principal Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Software Engineer, Performance

$138K - $185K/yr

We treat performance as a first-class engineering property - measurable, continuously improving, and enforced across the software lifecycle. This is the most senior performance engineering role at ...

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal performance engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Performance Engineer?

A Principal Performance Engineer is a senior technical expert responsible for ensuring that software systems and applications operate at optimal performance levels. They lead efforts in designing, analyzing, and improving system architectures to prevent performance bottlenecks and scalability issues. Their work often includes conducting performance testing, identifying system limitations, and collaborating with development teams to implement solutions. Principal Performance Engineers also mentor other engineers and set best practices for performance optimization across the organization.

How does a Principal Performance Engineer typically collaborate with development and operations teams to optimize application performance?

A Principal Performance Engineer plays a pivotal role in bridging development and operations by working closely with both teams to identify, analyze, and resolve performance bottlenecks. They often participate in design reviews, consult on architectural decisions, and guide the implementation of best practices for scalability and reliability. Regularly, they lead performance testing efforts, share insights from monitoring tools, and mentor team members on performance tuning. This collaborative approach ensures that performance considerations are integrated throughout the software development lifecycle, resulting in robust and efficient applications.

What is the difference between Principal Performance Engineer vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Performance EngineerPerformance Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science or related, often with certifications in performance testingBachelor's in Computer Science or related, with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads performance testing teams, designs strategies, and mentorsExecutes performance tests, analyzes results, and reports findings
Industry UsageUsed across large enterprises, tech companies, and software firmsCommon in software development, QA teams, and IT departments

The Principal Performance Engineer typically holds a leadership role, overseeing performance testing strategies and mentoring teams, while the Performance Engineer focuses on executing tests and analyzing results. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but differ in scope and responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Performance Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Performance Engineer, you need deep expertise in system architecture, performance analysis, and optimization, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of performance profiling tools (like JMeter, LoadRunner, or Dynatrace), scripting languages, and cloud platforms is essential, along with relevant industry certifications. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate across teams and drive system improvements. These skills ensure scalable, efficient, and reliable systems that meet business and user requirements in complex technical environments.
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What job categories do people searching Principal Performance Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Performance Engineer jobs are:
Principal Performance Engineer jobs near you
Senior/Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Performance DSP

Senior/Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Performance DSP

PubMatic

Redwood City, CA • Hybrid

$150K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer/ Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Performance DSP 

Location: Redwood City, California, United States  (Hybrid)

At PubMatic, we're transforming the mobile advertising landscape with cutting-edge solutions that help buyers and developers succeed. Our team is passionate about building high-performance, innovative products that make a real impact. If you're excited about solving complex challenges, shaping the future of ad tech, and working with brilliant minds, we'd love to have you on board! 

Job Description:

We are looking for a Lead Machine Learning Engineer with deep expertise in Performance advertising and a proven track record of architecting high-performance solutions that drive campaign success. Leveraging your strategic understanding of Performance DSP workflows, you will design cutting-edge algorithms and systems to optimize real-time bidding strategies, exceed advertiser KPIs, and maximize ROI ultimately increasing performance-driven spend on the PubMatic platform. 

 

 

Responsibilities: 

  • Architect and develop advanced features to shape Performance DSPs, optimizing ad formats such as interstitial video, rewarded video, and display ads. 

  • Design PubMatic's product offering to boost auction efficiency and align with Performance DSP workflows and expectations ensuring seamless integration, higher ROI for advertisers, and increase the DSP spend on the platform. 

  • Leverage machine learning and data-driven insights to enhance bid efficiency, campaign performance, and ad delivery strategies. 

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, and the CTO team to align technical solutions with Performance DSP goals. 

  • Optimize attribution tracking, user value modelling, and ML-driven performance enhancements to maximize campaign impact. 

 

 

Qualifications: 

  • 5+ years of engineering experience at a Performance DSP, coupled with a deep understanding of programmatic advertising workflows, RTB, audience targeting, and bid strategies. 

  • Deep understanding of mobile advertising ecosystems, advertising SDKs, and optimization strategies. 

  • Strong expertise in Machine Learning, Ad-Server/Bidder architecture and Gen-AI. 

  • BS or MS degree in Computer Science or Mathematics

Compensation and Benefits:

Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000

In accordance with applicable law, the above salary range provided is PubMatic's reasonable estimate of the base salary for this role. The actual amount may vary, based on non-discriminatory factors such as location, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. In addition to salary PubMatic also offers a bonus, restricted stock units and a competitive benefits package.

Additional Information

Return to Office: PubMatic employees throughout the globe have returned to our offices via a hybrid work schedule (3 days "in office" and 2 days "working remotely") that is intended to maximize collaboration, innovation, and productivity among teams and across functions.

Benefits: Our benefits package includes the best of what leading organizations provide such as, paid leave programs, paid holidays, healthcare, dental and vision insurance, disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, physical and financial wellness programs, unlimited DTO in the US (that we actually require you to use!), reimbursement for mobile, and fully stocked pantries plus in-office catered lunches 5 days per week.

Diversity and Inclusion: PubMatic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer; we don't just value diversity, we promote and celebrate it. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status

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