Performance Engineer (Core Storage Systems)
π Job Overview
- Job Title: Performance Engineer (Core Storage Systems)
- Company: NetApp, Inc.
- Location: Santa Clara County, California, United States
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Performance Engineering
- Date Posted: July 29, 2025
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Design and implement storage-oriented performance workloads and analyze results to drive performance improvement agendas.
- Collaborate with development teams to evaluate design alternatives and prototype performance enhancements.
- Create analytical and simulation-based models to predict storage systems performance.
- Communicate performance analysis results and insights to stakeholders effectively.
π Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in performance analysis, modeling, and systems programming to succeed in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
π» Primary Responsibilities
- Performance Workload Design & Analysis: Design, implement, execute, analyze, interpret, socialize, and apply storage-oriented performance workloads and their results. Create tools and automation as necessary.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with development teams to drive the performance improvement agenda and evaluate design alternatives for enhanced performance.
- Performance Modeling: Create analytical and simulation-based models to predict storage systems performance and identify opportunities for performance enhancements.
- Stakeholder Communication: Successfully convey information to stakeholders at various levels, including technical team members, managers, and executives.
- Team Contribution: Participate as a proactive contributor and subject matter expert on team projects, driving results through effective collaboration and leadership.
π Enhancement Note: This role requires a balance of technical depth and breadth, with a strong focus on performance analysis, modeling, and systems programming.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science is required. Equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience: 4 to 7 years of experience in performance analysis, systems programming, or a related field is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of performance analysis and modeling techniques, tools, and benchmarking.
- Extensive knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware architecture, data structures, and standard programming practices.
- Strong scripting skills in Perl and Python, with a focus on Jupyter Notebooks and Shell.
- Exceptional presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Strong influencing and leadership skills.
- Ability to make accurate work estimates and develop predictable plans.
- Knowledge of storage and file systems.
- Understanding of AL/ML workloads and performance tradeoffs in on-prem and cloud systems.
- Ability and willingness to adapt to rapidly changing work environments and enhance automation frameworks.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with systems programming in C.
- Familiarity with storage and file systems design and optimization.
- Knowledge of performance analysis tools and methodologies specific to storage systems.
π Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical foundation in performance analysis, systems programming, and storage systems to excel in the position.
π Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate a strong track record of performance analysis, modeling, and optimization projects.
- Showcase your ability to design, implement, and analyze performance workloads for storage systems.
- Highlight your experience working with development teams to drive performance improvement agendas.
- Display your proficiency in creating analytical and simulation-based models to predict storage systems performance.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide clear and concise documentation of your performance analysis methodologies, tools, and results.
- Include case studies or success stories demonstrating your ability to drive performance improvements in storage systems.
- Showcase your ability to communicate complex performance analysis results and insights effectively to stakeholders.
π Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio in this role should emphasize performance analysis, modeling, and optimization projects, with a focus on storage systems and cross-functional collaboration.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The target salary range for this position is $130,900 - $194,700 USD per year. Final compensation packages are competitive and in line with industry standards, reflecting a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, experience, and education.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Retirement or Pension Plans
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Various Leave Options
- Performance-Based Incentives
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Restricted Stocks (RSUs)
Working Hours: This role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a target range and may vary based on the candidate's location, qualifications, experience, and education. Benefits are subject to regional variations and governed by local laws, regulations, and company policies.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: NetApp is a leading provider of cloud data services and hybrid cloud data infrastructure. This role is focused on storage systems performance, which is a critical aspect of data infrastructure and cloud services.
Company Size: NetApp is a large organization with a global presence, employing over 10,000 people worldwide. This size allows for diverse teams, extensive resources, and numerous growth opportunities.
Founded: NetApp was founded in 1992 and has since grown to become a publicly traded company with a strong reputation in the data infrastructure and cloud services industry.
Team Structure:
- Performance Engineering Team: This team is responsible for modeling, measurement, and analysis of storage systems performance. The team works closely with development teams to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems.
- Development Teams: NetApp has multiple development teams working on various aspects of data infrastructure and cloud services. These teams collaborate with the performance engineering team to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: NetApp encourages collaboration between teams, including developers, designers, marketers, and stakeholders, to drive innovation and success.
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum Methodologies: NetApp uses Agile and Scrum methodologies for software development and project management. This approach enables teams to work iteratively, prioritize features, and deliver high-quality products.
- Code Review & Quality Assurance: NetApp emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance to ensure the reliability and performance of its products.
- Deployment Strategies: NetApp employs continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate deployment processes and ensure efficient delivery of updates and new features.
Company Website: NetApp
π Enhancement Note: NetApp's large size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration, with a strong focus on data infrastructure and cloud services.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a strong background in performance analysis, systems programming, and storage systems. The role offers significant technical impact and the opportunity to drive performance improvements in critical data infrastructure and cloud services.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Performance Engineering Manager and works closely with development teams, managers, and executives to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems.
Technical Impact: The primary responsibility of this role is to design, implement, execute, analyze, interpret, socialize, and apply storage-oriented performance workloads and their results. This work directly impacts the performance, reliability, and user experience of NetApp's data infrastructure and cloud services.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Specialization: Deepen your expertise in performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems and related technologies.
- Team Leadership: Develop your leadership skills and take on mentoring roles within the performance engineering team or across NetApp.
- Architecture & Design: Expand your knowledge of storage systems architecture and design, contributing to the development of new products and features.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in data infrastructure, cloud services, and performance analysis, and explore opportunities to apply these innovations in your role.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with a strong focus on technical specialization, leadership development, and architecture decision-making in the performance engineering domain.
π Work Environment
Office Type: NetApp's office environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and innovation. The performance engineering team works closely with development teams to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems.
Office Location(s): NetApp's headquarters are located in Sunnyvale, California, with additional offices worldwide. This role is based in San Jose, California.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: NetApp's offices feature open-plan workspaces that encourage collaboration and communication between team members.
- Development Tools & Resources: NetApp provides its employees with access to the latest development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal productivity and performance.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: NetApp fosters a culture of collaboration between developers, designers, marketers, and stakeholders, with regular team meetings and workshops to drive innovation and success.
Work Schedule: This role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. NetApp encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers various leave options to support employee well-being.
π Enhancement Note: NetApp's collaborative work environment fosters cross-functional teamwork and innovation, with a strong focus on performance, reliability, and user experience in data infrastructure and cloud services.
π Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your background, experience, and qualifications for the role.
- Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization skills. This may include designing and implementing performance workloads, analyzing results, and presenting your findings.
- On-site Interview: A series of interviews with team members, managers, and executives to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with NetApp's values and mission.
- Final Evaluation: A final evaluation based on your performance in the technical assessment and interviews, as well as your potential fit within the team and organization.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your experience in performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems.
- Showcase your ability to design, implement, and analyze performance workloads, with a focus on storage-oriented workloads.
- Demonstrate your proficiency in creating analytical and simulation-based models to predict storage systems performance.
- Include case studies or success stories that illustrate your ability to drive performance improvements and collaborate with development teams.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization skills, with a focus on storage systems and related technologies.
- Familiarize yourself with NetApp's products, services, and competition in the data infrastructure and cloud services industry.
- Prepare for questions about your experience working with development teams, evaluating design alternatives, and driving performance improvement agendas.
ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)
- Performance Analysis: Performance modeling, workload design, performance optimization, benchmarking, performance tradeoffs.
- Storage Systems: Storage architecture, file systems, storage performance, storage optimization, storage design.
- Programming Languages: C, Perl, Python, Shell.
- Tools & Frameworks: Jupyter Notebooks, automation frameworks, performance analysis tools.
- Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, code review, quality assurance.
- Soft Skills: Presentation, interpersonal skills, leadership, influencing, teamwork, collaboration.
- Industry Terms: Data infrastructure, cloud services, data management, data storage, data protection.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with NetApp's values and mission, with a strong focus on performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems.
π Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Performance Analysis Tools:
- Jupyter Notebooks
- Automation frameworks (primarily Python-based)
- Performance analysis tools (specific tools may vary based on the role and project requirements)
Storage Systems & Technologies:
- NetApp's storage systems and products (e.g., ONTAP, Cloud Volumes, Cloud Backup)
- Other relevant storage systems and technologies (e.g., SAN, NAS, DAS, cloud storage)
Programming Languages & Frameworks:
- C (systems programming)
- Perl (scripting)
- Python (scripting, automation, data analysis)
- Shell (scripting, automation, deployment)
Development & DevOps Tools:
- Agile/Scrum methodologies (e.g., Jira, Confluence)
- CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD)
- Version control systems (e.g., Git)
- Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
π Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems, with a strong emphasis on NetApp's products, services, and industry-leading storage technologies.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
NetApp's Values:
- Customer Obsessed: Focus on understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations.
- Innovation: Embrace change and continuous learning to drive innovation and success.
- Execution: Deliver results with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of work.
- Inclusion: Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that values and leverages the unique perspectives and experiences of all team members.
Performance Engineering Team Culture:
- Collaborative: Work closely with development teams and other departments to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems.
- Data-Driven: Use data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive performance enhancements.
- Customer-Focused: Understand and address customer needs and expectations to deliver high-performance storage solutions.
- Continuously Learning: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in performance analysis, modeling, and optimization.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with developers, designers, marketers, and stakeholders to drive innovation and success in data infrastructure and cloud services.
- Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and peer programming to ensure high-quality, performant, and maintainable storage systems.
- Knowledge Sharing: Share your expertise and learn from others to drive continuous improvement and growth within the performance engineering team and NetApp as a whole.
π Enhancement Note: NetApp's values and performance engineering team culture emphasize collaboration, data-driven decision-making, customer focus, and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on performance, reliability, and user experience in data infrastructure and cloud services.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Performance Analysis & Optimization: Design, implement, and analyze performance workloads for storage systems, with a focus on optimizing performance, reliability, and user experience.
- Storage Systems Architecture: Understand and optimize storage systems architecture, design, and configuration to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in data infrastructure, cloud services, and performance analysis, and explore opportunities to apply these innovations in your role.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work effectively with development teams, managers, and executives to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Deepen your expertise in performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems and related technologies.
- Conference Attendance & Certification: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, best practices, and trends in data infrastructure, cloud services, and performance analysis.
- Mentorship & Leadership Development: Seek mentorship opportunities within the performance engineering team or across NetApp to develop your leadership skills and take on mentoring roles.
- Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to the development of new products, features, and architecture decisions, with a focus on performance, reliability, and user experience in data infrastructure and cloud services.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers numerous technical challenges and learning opportunities, with a strong focus on performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems, as well as collaboration, innovation, and growth within NetApp.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Performance Analysis & Optimization: Describe your experience designing, implementing, and analyzing performance workloads for storage systems. Provide specific examples of performance improvements you've driven and the methodologies you've employed.
- Storage Systems Architecture: Explain your understanding of storage systems architecture, design, and configuration. Discuss how you've optimized storage systems for performance, reliability, and user experience in previous roles.
- Emerging Technologies: Describe your experience working with emerging technologies in data infrastructure, cloud services, and performance analysis. Discuss how you've applied these innovations to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Share your experience working with development teams, managers, and executives to drive performance improvements and optimize storage systems. Provide specific examples of successful collaborations and the outcomes they achieved.
Company & Culture Questions:
- NetApp's Values: Explain how you embody NetApp's values in your work and how you've demonstrated these values in previous roles. Provide specific examples of how you've acted with integrity, embraced innovation, and delivered results with a focus on quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Performance Engineering Team Culture: Describe your experience working in a collaborative, data-driven, customer-focused, and continuously learning environment. Discuss how you've contributed to a positive team culture and driven success in previous roles.
- User Experience Impact: Explain how you've considered user experience in your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization work. Discuss how you've ensured that performance improvements have not negatively impacted the user experience and have instead enhanced the overall quality of data infrastructure and cloud services.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Live Demonstration: Present your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization projects with a live demonstration of your tools, workloads, and results. Highlight your ability to design, implement, and analyze performance workloads, with a focus on storage-oriented workloads.
- Case Studies: Include case studies or success stories that illustrate your ability to drive performance improvements and collaborate with development teams. Focus on the methodologies you employed, the results you achieved, and the impact you had on the user experience and business outcomes.
- Architecture Decision Reasoning: Explain your approach to storage systems architecture and design, with a focus on performance, reliability, and user experience. Discuss the tradeoffs you've considered and the decisions you've made to optimize storage systems in previous roles.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with NetApp's values and mission, with a strong focus on performance analysis, modeling, and optimization for storage systems.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Performance Engineer (Core Storage Systems) position at NetApp:
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization experience, with a focus on storage systems and related technologies. Include specific examples of your work, the methodologies you've employed, and the results you've achieved.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization projects, with a focus on storage-oriented workloads and live demonstrations of your tools and results. Include case studies or success stories that illustrate your ability to drive performance improvements and collaborate with development teams.
- Research NetApp: Familiarize yourself with NetApp's products, services, and competition in the data infrastructure and cloud services industry. Understand NetApp's values, culture, and mission, and prepare for questions about your alignment with these aspects of the organization.
- Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your performance analysis, modeling, and optimization skills, with a focus on storage systems and related technologies. Prepare for questions about your experience working with development teams, evaluating design alternatives, and driving performance improvement agendas.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and performance engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with NetApp before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Knowledge of performance analysis and modeling techniques, tools, and benchmarking is required. A Bachelorβs or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, along with 4 to 7 years of experience, is preferred.