10 of the Most Popular Types of Performance Engineering Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Performance Engineering jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Performance Engineering Jobs

• Performance Architect

  Salary range: $167,000 - $167,000

  As a performance architect, you optimize performance within a company, software system, or application. Your duties include collecting data and information on the processes you wish to optimize, identifying areas for improvement and developing strategies or process improvements to bring about those positive changes. In most cases, you test the performance of the system or process before implementing changes. Performance architects who work on computer software and hardware systems sometimes handle coding responsibilities themselves. In this job, you also help troubleshoot when problems arise with a software system, manufacturing process, or business practice.

• Senior Performance Engineer

  Salary range: $104,500 - $143,500

  Senior Performance Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Performance Engineer jobs pay between $104,500 (25th percentile) and $143,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Performance Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Test Engineer

  Salary range: $69,500 - $109,000

  A test engineer runs validation tests on manufactured products. The duties of a test engineer include creating testing procedures, reviewing product manufacturing specifications, ensuring proper labeling on product components, and collaborating with a process engineer to optimize the product design process. A process engineer is a similar position. Test and process engineers observe weak areas in product design and suggest improvements to the design.

• High Performance Engine Builder

  Salary range: $50,000 - $64,000

  High Performance Engine Builder is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for High Performance Engine Builder jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $64,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for High Performance Engine Builder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Performance Engineering Manager

  Salary range: $65,500 - $126,000

  Performance Engineering Manager is a typical job search query Most salaries for Performance Engineering Manager jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $126,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Performance Engineering Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Motorsports Engineering

  Salary range: $38,000 - $47,000

  Motorsports Engineering is a common job search query. Most salaries for Motorsports Engineering jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $47,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Motorsports Engineering job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Engineering

  Salary range: $116,500 - $173,000

  Engineering jobs encompass a range of positions in a variety of technical fields, including mechanical, chemical, electrical, aeronautic, and civil engineering. Some engineering jobs are in research and design, while others focus on the construction and manufacturing industry. In this career, you need a mix of design, project management, and research skills. You can work in numerous industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, medical, aviation, and natural resource extraction. Some jobs are based primarily in an office or lab setting, while others require you to travel to field sites to make surveys and assessments.

• Software Performance Engineer

  Salary range: $140,000 - $140,000

  Software Performance Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Software Performance Engineer jobs pay between $140,000 (25th percentile) and $140,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Software Performance Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Aircraft Performance Engineer

  Salary range: $65,500 - $95,500

  Aircraft Performance Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $95,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Aircraft Performance Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Freelance Performance Engineering

  Salary range: $50,500 - $128,500

  Freelance Performance Engineering is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Performance Engineering jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $128,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Performance Engineering job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.