Job Description
Job Description
Position Overview
Position : Performance Tester - Payment Systems
Type : 12-month contract (potential extension and conversion to permanent)
Rate : Up to $70 / hour
Start Date : January 2026
Locations : Multiple major metropolitan areas available (BOS, NY, PHIL, CLEV, RICH, ATL, CHI, STLS, MPLS, KC, DAL, SF) Candidates must live within a commutable distance to one of the headquarter locations listed above)
About the Opportunity
Our client, a leading financial institution , is seeking an experienced Performance Tester to support critical payment systems infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity to work with enterprise-level payment processing systems in a stable, prestigious environment.
You'll be part of a team dedicated to ensuring the performance, reliability, and scalability of mission-critical financial services platforms that serve institutions across the United States.
Key Responsibilities
Performance Testing
- Conduct comprehensive performance testing, encompassing requirement gathering, test planning, scripting, execution, analysis, and result reporting
- Assess system communication protocols to determine appropriate scripting approaches
- Design and establish load test scenarios for various performance tests including load, stress, volume, and failover tests
- Perform API performance testing and integrate into CI pipelines
- Conduct manual testing to validate vulnerabilities
- Evaluate non-functional requirements to determine acceptance criteria
Technical Development
Demonstrate advanced proficiency in programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, Visual Basic, and LinuxDevelop and submit comprehensive performance test reportsAnalyze performance test results and provide actionable insightsMaintain performance test scenarios and scriptsParticipate in code reviews and create / maintain test dataManage test artifacts in version control systemsCollaboration & Analysis
Collaborate with product development, architecture, infrastructure, and engineering teamsCoordinate with dependent teams across product linesIntegrate security requirements into testing strategiesParticipate in agile team reviewsResolve testing problems, bottlenecks, and issues creativelyMonitoring & Optimization
Monitor server utilization and system-level statistics during test runsCollect and analyze performance statistics from front-end and back-end systemsCorrelate system performance data to present comprehensive reportsConduct production log analysis to determine target and peak load modelsSupport implementation and maintenance of performance testing toolsContinuous Improvement
Stay current with emerging performance testing technologies and techniquesAdapt new technologies to meet evolving software development demandsUtilize CI integration tools for continuous testingOptimize performance testing scenarios for automated deployment toolsRequired Qualifications
Experience
8+ years of experience in performance testingMinimum 3+ years working on large-scale projects with minimal supervision4-6 years developing performance test scripts using LoadRunner, Performance Center, JMeter, or similar platformsExperience with MQ, Java Cloud, and AWS application testingEnd-to-end performance testing capability from requirements through analysisEducation
Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent (preferred)Technical Expertise
Strong experience with Apache JMeter and / or LoadRunnerProficiency in Java for test script development and customizationExtensive experience with server monitoring tools such as Dynatrace, SplunkProficient with IDEs such as IntelliJ, EclipseExperience with source control systems ( Git, Subversion )Advanced programming concepts knowledge (threads, exceptions, I / O, memory management)Understanding of KPIs including response times, throughput, error rates, and resource usageAbility to set up test environments simulating production conditionsSkills & Abilities
Experience planning and designing performance tests for load, stress, spike, scalability, and volume testingStrong expertise in load generation, bottleneck analysis, modeling tools, and statistical analysisProficient in analyzing and presenting performance results to technical teamsExperience generating reports and metricsExcellent collaboration and communication skillsStrong problem-solving abilitiesLocation & Work Arrangement
Available Locations : Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco
Work Model :
Candidates must be located within commutable distance to one of the locations listed aboveHybrid work arrangement with on-site requirements (varies by location and team)Remote work flexibility available depending on locationEligibility Requirements
Work Authorization :
Must be a US Citizen, Green Card holder, or Permanent Resident with at least 3 years of residencyNo visa sponsorship available - candidates must be currently authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the futureBackground Screening :
This position requires enhanced background screening due to the nature of the workScreening includes education / employment verification, criminal history, credit history, and reference checksProcess is initiated upon offer acceptance and may take up to 2 monthsEmployment is contingent on acceptable screening resultsCandidates can begin work pending completion of screeningCompensation & Benefits
Rate : Up to $70 / hour (depending on experience)Contract Term : 12 monthsExtension Potential : YesConversion Opportunity : Potential conversion to permanent employmentApplication Process
Interested candidates should submit their resume highlighting :
Performance testing experience and toolsRelevant certificationsExperience with financial services or payment systems (if applicable)Current location and work authorization statusAP Recruiters & Associates is representing this confidential client search. All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.