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Software Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beyond SOF

Software Engineer - Full Performance

Herndon, VA · On-site

$143K/yr

Software Engineer - Full Performance Summary : Analyzes user interfaces, maintain hardware and software performance tuning, analyze workload and computer usage, maintain interfaces with outside ...

Google

Software Engineer, GPU Performance

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$164K/yr

... software development in one or more programming languages, or 1 year of experience with an advanced degree. * Experience low-level GPU programming (CUDA, Triton, CUTLASS, etc.) and performance ...

OpenReq

Software Engineer, ML Performance

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$172K/yr

They are seeking a Software Engineer, ML Performance to work closely with hardware and software teams to identify and mitigate performance bottlenecks in their custom-built AI hardware.

PDT Partners

Performance Engineer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$195K - $225K/yr

You will work at the intersection of software, systems, and hardware to analyze performance, drive ... Versatile engineering mindset: ability to learn quickly, tackle diverse challenges, and adapt.

sydata

Performance Engineer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

The convergence of technologies such as web services, workflow software and business performance ... Performance Engineer Location: Bloomington (IL) Duration: 6+ Months Note: Passport Number/i94 is ...

BC Forward

Performance Engineer

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$70.45 - $75/hr

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills * 5+ years in performance engineering and software test automation, covering AWS and on-prem platforms. * Strong coding skills in one or more: Java ...

Zoox

Senior Software Engineer - Performance

Seattle, WA · On-site

$217K - $307K/yr

As a performance software engineer within the Software Core Performance team, you will instrument, monitor, analyze, and optimize performance-critical algorithms. Your broad experience in developing ...

sydata

Performance Engineer

Bloomington, IL

The convergence of technologies such as web services, workflow software and business performance ... Performance Engineer Location: Bloomington (IL) Duration: 6+ Months Note: Passport Number/i94 is ...

Zoox

Senior Software Engineer - Performance

San Diego, CA · On-site

$217K - $307K/yr

As a performance software engineer within the Software Core Performance team, you will instrument, monitor, analyze, and optimize performance-critical algorithms. Your broad experience in developing ...

Zoox

Senior Software Engineer - Performance

Foster City, CA · On-site

$217K - $307K/yr

As a performance software engineer within the Software Core Performance team, you will instrument, monitor, analyze, and optimize performance-critical algorithms. Your broad experience in developing ...

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Software Performance Engineer information

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$109K

$141K

How much do software performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for software performance engineer in the United States is $139,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Software Performance Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, strong programming skills (often in languages like Java, C++, or Python), and experience in analyzing and optimizing software performance. Familiarity with profiling tools (such as JProfiler, VisualVM, or Perf), performance testing frameworks (like JMeter or LoadRunner), and knowledge of system monitoring solutions are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication are standout soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with development teams. These competencies ensure that applications run efficiently and reliably, directly impacting user satisfaction and system scalability.

What are Software Performance Engineers?

Software Performance Engineers are specialists who focus on ensuring that software applications run efficiently and meet performance requirements. They analyze system bottlenecks, optimize code and system configurations, and conduct performance testing to identify and resolve issues such as slow response times or high resource usage. Their work helps improve user experience and system reliability, especially for applications expected to handle large numbers of users or complex computations. Software Performance Engineers often collaborate with developers, QA teams, and system administrators to maintain and enhance application performance throughout the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Software Performance Engineer vs Software Quality Assurance Engineer?

AspectSoftware Performance EngineerSoftware Quality Assurance Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing software speed, scalability, and efficiencyEnsuring software meets quality standards and is bug-free
Skills & CertificationsPerformance testing, profiling, scripting, knowledge of performance toolsTesting methodologies, defect tracking, automation tools, ISTQB certification
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, performance testing labs, cloud environmentsTesting teams, QA labs, cross-functional project teams
Industry UsageTech, finance, e-commerce, gamingSoftware development, enterprise applications, healthcare

While both roles focus on software quality, the Software Performance Engineer specializes in optimizing system performance and scalability, whereas the Software Quality Assurance Engineer concentrates on overall quality assurance and defect prevention. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals align skills with job requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Performance Engineers when optimizing large-scale applications?

Software Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying performance bottlenecks in complex, distributed systems and ensuring scalability as user demand grows. Troubleshooting issues may require deep dives into both application code and infrastructure layers, often under tight deadlines. Collaboration with development, QA, and operations teams is essential to implement performance improvements without disrupting existing functionality. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and profiling tools is also key to maintaining optimal performance.
More about Software Performance Engineer jobs
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What states have the most Software Performance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Performance Engineer jobs include:
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Software Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,529 per year, or $67.1 per hour.
Software Engineer - Full Performance

Software Engineer - Full Performance

Beyond SOF

Herndon, VA • On-site

$143K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer - Full Performance
Summary:
Analyzes user interfaces, maintain hardware and software performance tuning, analyze workload and computer usage, maintain interfaces with outside systems, analyze downtimes, analyze proposed system modifications, upgrades and new COTS. Defines the problem, and develops system requirements and program specifications, from which programmers prepare detailed flow charts, programs, and tests.
Coordinates closely with programmers to ensure proper implementation of program and system specifications. Develops, in conjunction with functional users, system alternative solutions.
Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities
  • Advise customer about, or perform, maintenance of software system.
  • Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.
  • Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
  • Confer with data processing and project managers to obtain information on limitations and capabilities for data processing projects.
  • Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
  • Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals and technical issues such as software system design and maintenance.
  • Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements and resolve customer problems.
  • Coordinate installation of software system.
  • Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures. Estimate software development costs and schedule.
  • Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
  • Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
  • Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
  • Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.
  • Prepare reports and correspondence concerning project specifications, activities and status.
  • Review existing programs and assist in making refinements, reducing operating time, and improve current techniques.
  • Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
  • Train users to use new or modified equipment.
  • Utilize microcontrollers to develop control signals, implement control algorithms and measure process variables such as temperatures, pressures and positions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will Understand
  • Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  • Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Minimum Education
  • General equivalency guidelines for education, certifications, and experience are provided below; however, these guidelines do not immediately qualify someone at a particular level. Skill levels for an individual are based upon a combination of education, training, and experience, e.g. someone may have 20 years of professional experience; however they may only be qualified as Full Performance based upon the expertise needed to perform the work within that category.
  • General professional years of experience may be substituted for specialized years of experience at a ratio of three (3) years of general experience within an occupation for one (1) year of specialized experience.
  • Relevant certifications will be considered equivalent to three (3) months of specialized experience.
  • An Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to eighteen (18) months specialized experience.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to three (3) years specialized experience (total equivalency is not cumulative when combined with an Associate's degree).
  • A Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to two (2) years specialized experience (up to a total of five (5) years when combined with a Bachelor's).
  • A Doctorate in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to two (2) years specialized experience (up to a total of seven (7) years when combined with a Master's and a Bachelor's).

Minimum Experience
Full Performance:
  • Someone that is fully capable of delivering capabilities related to a particular skill, language, system, or technology.
  • Requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience specific to the skill.
  • Ability, training and actual work experience with the specific computer language, systems, and/or technology is significantly more important than the number of years of experience. This is especially true with emerging technologies

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