Performance Engineer at Asda

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Performance Engineer
Company: Asda
Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site at Asda House)
Category: Software Development and Implementation
Date Posted: 2025-07-24
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Role Summary

Drive Performance Test strategy and Quality Engineering (QE) practices across Asda Technology
Mentor teams and guide best practices in performance testing
Collaborate with various stakeholders to resolve technical challenges and embed QE practices into the SDLC
Contribute to the creation of new ways of working and processes in the new operating model
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background with the ability to lead and drive change, as well as excellent communication and leadership skills.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities listed below are based on the provided job description and industry standards for a Performance Engineer role.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role has a 50/50 split between hands-on tasks and leadership responsibilities.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves working with various stakeholders, including engineers, architects, and support teams.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires experience with performance test tools, troubleshooting performance issues, and working with Microsoft Azure and SAP.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves experience with monitoring and observability tools, as well as various query languages for log and metric analysis.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires knowledge of testing in differing SDLC models and Shift Left principles.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves supporting the definition and delivery of the Performance Test Strategy.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves guiding and mentoring teams to drive best practices in performance testing.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves carrying out proof of concepts on new Tools/Technologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves working with third-party vendors and internal squads to embed QE practices into the SDLC and enable early performance testing.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves supporting the resolution of technical challenges faced by project/product teams.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves refining Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs) and contributing to the wider NFR gathering process.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role involves supporting the creation of new ways of working/processes as Asda moves into its new operating model.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education

Relevant degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience

Proven experience (2-5 years) in performance testing and quality engineering roles
Experience working with various performance test tools (e.g., LoadRunner, JMeter, K6)
Experience troubleshooting performance and scalability issues in both production and non-production environments
Experience working with Microsoft Azure and SAP
Experience with monitoring and observability tools (e.g., Application Insights, New Relic)
Experience with various query languages (e.g., SQL, KQL, Lucene, NRQL) for log and metric analysis
Knowledge of testing in differing SDLC models and Shift Left principles
Strong communication and leadership skills
📝 Enhancement Note: Experience in testing retail, finance, supply chain, people management, or e-commerce systems would be beneficial.

Required Skills

Proficiency in performance test tools (e.g., LoadRunner, JMeter, K6)
Experience in troubleshooting performance and scalability issues
Experience working with Microsoft Azure and SAP
Experience with monitoring and observability tools (e.g., Application Insights, New Relic)
Knowledge of testing in differing SDLC models and Shift Left principles
Strong communication and leadership skills

Preferred Skills

Experience with various query languages (e.g., SQL, KQL, Lucene, NRQL) for log and metric analysis
Experience in testing retail, finance, supply chain, people management, or e-commerce systems
Familiarity with different SDLC models and Shift Left principles

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda does not provide specific portfolio requirements. However, a strong performance engineer portfolio should demonstrate the following:
Case studies showcasing performance testing strategies and their impact on web applications or services
Examples of performance test scripts and their results, highlighting tools used (e.g., LoadRunner, JMeter, K6)
Demonstrations of troubleshooting performance issues and optimizing web application performance
Evidence of collaboration and communication skills, such as presentations or reports on performance testing projects

Technical Documentation

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda does not provide specific technical documentation requirements. However, a strong performance engineer portfolio should include:
Well-commented code and scripts demonstrating best practices in performance testing
Documentation of performance testing strategies, tools, and methodologies used in previous projects
Reports and analyses of performance test results, including recommendations for performance optimization
Evidence of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with emerging performance testing tools and techniques

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda provides a competitive salary plus benefits for this role. Based on market research for Performance Engineer roles in the Leeds area, the estimated salary range is £45,000 - £60,000 per annum.

Benefits

Discretionary company bonus
Company pension up to 7% matched
Company car allowance of £5,700
15% colleague discount in store and online
Free access to wellbeing services, including virtual GP, counseling, health, and dental cash plans, and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline
Asda Allies Inclusion Networks
Excellent parental leave policies

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail

Company Size: Large (over 100,000 employees)

Founded: 1949

Team Structure:

The Performance Engineer role will work closely with various teams, including engineers, architects, and support teams.
The role will report directly to the Head of Quality Engineering.
The role will collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed QE practices into the SDLC and enable early performance testing.

Development Methodology:

Asda uses Agile methodologies for software development.
The role will contribute to the development and improvement of performance testing processes and best practices within the Agile framework.

Company Website: Asda Careers

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level Performance Engineer

Reporting Structure: The Performance Engineer will report directly to the Head of Quality Engineering.

Technical Impact: The Performance Engineer will have a significant impact on the performance and quality of Asda's web applications and services. They will drive the Performance Test strategy and QE ways of working across Asda Technology, mentoring teams and guiding best practices.

Growth Opportunities:

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda offers various growth opportunities for Performance Engineers, including:
Progression to senior or lead roles within the Quality Engineering team
Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of performance testing or quality engineering
Potential to move into technical leadership or architecture roles within Asda Technology

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site at Asda House)

Office Location(s): Asda House, Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Workspace Context:

The on-site workspace at Asda House will provide a collaborative environment for the Performance Engineer to work with various teams and stakeholders.
The workspace will be equipped with necessary development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices.
The Performance Engineer will have opportunities to interact with cross-functional teams, including designers, marketers, and other technical professionals.

Work Schedule: The role has a 50/50 split between hands-on tasks and leadership responsibilities. The work schedule will be flexible to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda's hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, enabling Performance Engineers to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Performance Engineer role at Asda is likely to include the following stages:
- Technical Phone/Screen: A brief phone or video call to assess the candidate's technical skills and cultural fit. This may include a discussion of the candidate's performance testing experience and a review of their portfolio.
- Technical Deep Dive: A more in-depth technical interview focusing on the candidate's performance testing skills, tools, and methodologies. This may include a case study or problem-solving exercise.
- Behavioral/Leadership Interview: An interview focused on the candidate's leadership skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities. This may include questions about the candidate's experience driving change and mentoring teams.
- Final Interview/Decision: A final interview with key stakeholders to assess the candidate's fit for the role and make a hiring decision.
📝 Enhancement Note: Asda may also include a trial project or assessment as part of the interview process to evaluate the candidate's practical skills and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing your portfolio for the Performance Engineer role at Asda, consider the following tips:
- Highlight your experience with performance test tools, troubleshooting performance issues, and working with Microsoft Azure and SAP.
- Include case studies showcasing your performance testing strategies and their impact on web applications or services.
- Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
- Showcase your ability to analyze performance test results and make data-driven recommendations for performance optimization.

Technical Challenge Preparation

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for the technical interview for the Performance Engineer role at Asda, consider the following tips:
- Brush up on your knowledge of performance test tools, such as LoadRunner, JMeter, and K6.
- Familiarize yourself with performance testing methodologies and best practices.
- Practice troubleshooting performance issues and optimizing web application performance using various tools and techniques.
- Prepare for questions about your experience working with Microsoft Azure and SAP, as well as monitoring and observability tools.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Performance Engineer, your focus will be on the backend and infrastructure technologies. However, it is essential to have a basic understanding of frontend technologies to communicate effectively with frontend developers and ensure performance optimization across the entire application stack.
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js)
Responsive design and mobile-first development
Performance optimization and accessibility features

Backend & Server Technologies

📝 Enhancement Note: The Performance Engineer role at Asda requires experience with various backend and server technologies, including:
Performance test tools (e.g., LoadRunner, JMeter, K6)
Microsoft Azure (cloud platform)
SAP (enterprise software)
Monitoring and observability tools (e.g., Application Insights, New Relic)
Various query languages (e.g., SQL, KQL, Lucene, NRQL) for log and metric analysis

Development & DevOps Tools

📝 Enhancement Note: The Performance Engineer role at Asda may involve experience with various development and DevOps tools, including:
Version control systems (e.g., Git)
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps, Jenkins)
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Azure Resource Manager)
Containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda's web development values for the Performance Engineer role may include:
A focus on innovation and driving technical excellence in performance testing
A commitment to performance optimization and accessibility standards
A culture of code quality, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
An emphasis on continuous learning and staying up-to-date with emerging performance testing tools and techniques

Collaboration Style

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda's collaboration style for the Performance Engineer role may include:
Cross-functional integration between performance engineers, developers, designers, and stakeholders
A code review culture and peer programming practices
Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning opportunities

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges

📝 Enhancement Note: The Performance Engineer role at Asda may present the following technical challenges:
Developing and implementing performance testing strategies for complex web applications and services
Troubleshooting performance issues and optimizing web application performance in large-scale, enterprise environments
Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders to embed QE practices into the SDLC and enable early performance testing
Staying up-to-date with emerging performance testing tools, methodologies, and best practices

Learning & Development Opportunities

📝 Enhancement Note: Asda offers various learning and development opportunities for Performance Engineers, including:
Technical skill development and specialization in performance testing tools and methodologies
Conference attendance, certification, and community involvement in performance testing and quality engineering
Technical mentorship, leadership development, and architecture decision-making opportunities

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for the technical interview for the Performance Engineer role at Asda, consider the following questions:

Can you describe your experience with performance test tools, such as LoadRunner, JMeter, and K6? How have you used these tools to troubleshoot performance issues and optimize web application performance?
How have you worked with Microsoft Azure and SAP in previous roles? Can you describe any specific projects or initiatives where you have used these technologies?
Can you walk us through your process for analyzing performance test results and making data-driven recommendations for performance optimization?
How have you collaborated with various teams and stakeholders to embed QE practices into the SDLC and enable early performance testing? Can you provide an example of a successful collaboration project?
How do you stay up-to-date with emerging performance testing tools, methodologies, and best practices? Can you describe any recent learning or certifications you have pursued in this area?

Company & Culture Questions

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for company and culture questions for the Performance Engineer role at Asda, consider the following tips:

Research Asda's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.
Prepare for questions about your leadership style, communication skills, and ability to drive change within a large, complex organization.
Think about how your experience and skills in performance testing can contribute to Asda's new operating model and drive technical excellence in quality engineering.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy

📝 Enhancement Note: When presenting your portfolio for the Performance Engineer role at Asda, consider the following strategies:

Highlight your experience with performance test tools, troubleshooting performance issues, and working with Microsoft Azure and SAP.
Include case studies showcasing your performance testing strategies and their impact on web applications or services.
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
Showcase your ability to analyze performance test results and make data-driven recommendations for performance optimization.
Tailor your portfolio presentation to Asda's company culture, values, and mission, emphasizing your alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Performance Engineer position at Asda:

📝 Enhancement Note: Submit your application through the application link provided in the job description.
📝 Enhancement Note: Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your performance testing experience, tools, and methodologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your performance testing skills, tools, and best practices. Practice troubleshooting performance issues and optimizing web application performance using various tools and techniques.
📝 Enhancement Note: Research Asda's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals and objectives. Prepare for company and culture questions by thinking about your leadership style, communication skills, and ability to drive change within a large, complex organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: Follow up on your application with the hiring manager, Clare Tempest, if you have any questions about the role or interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.