Performance Engineer (Junior)

Performance Engineer – Retail Technology

Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £30,000 – £55,000 per annum
Direct applicants only – no agencies please (preferred suppliers already in place)

Spike are retail technology experts delivering end‑to‑end, go‑live confidence for some of the largest and most complex retail brands in the UK and beyond.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Spike as we continue to grow our Performance Engineering practice. The role is suited to a Performance Engineer who enjoys hands‑on technical work and wants to develop their consultancy and engineering capability while working across a range of retail technology projects.

You will work as part of client delivery teams, executing professional performance testing services across multiple engagements, under appropriate guidance and supervision, while building your technical depth and confidence.

Role purpose

As a Performance Engineer, you will:

• Contribute to the successful delivery of performance testing across client projects
• Execute performance engineering activities across the software delivery lifecycle
• Apply agreed tools, standards, and approaches to ensure high‑quality outcomes
• Develop your technical, consultancy, and client‑facing skills within a supportive environment
• Build a strong foundation for progression within Spike’s Performance practice

Key responsibilities

Performance Engineering & Delivery (Drive Excellence)

• Contribute to performance testing activities across multiple projects and delivery phases
• Develop and execute performance tests from project initiation through to delivery and go‑live
• Use agreed performance testing tools, standards, and specifications effectively
• Take ownership of defined technical areas, selecting appropriate methods and configurations under guidance
• Analyse test results, investigate issues, and identify trends, risks, and constraints
• Produce clear test plans, approaches, and reports to support delivery decisions
• Accurately identify and escalate risks, issues, dependencies, and defects to relevant stakeholders

Client & Team Collaboration (Grow the Business)

• Work collaboratively within delivery teams to meet project objectives
• Communicate clearly with colleagues and clients, translating technical findings into plain language
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in client needs and business outcomes
• Deliver dependable, professional technical services that build client confidence and trust

Development, Learning & Culture (Nurture Our Culture)

• Actively develop your performance engineering skills and technical capability
• Build knowledge of industry‑standard tools, platforms, and engineering methods
• Contribute to Spike’s collaborative and supportive team culture
• Show curiosity and awareness of emerging trends in technology, performance testing, and retail
• Demonstrate Spike values through behaviour, teamwork, and client interactions

Required experience & capabilities

• Experience delivering performance testing across the software delivery lifecycle
• Experience analysing performance issues using at least one performance testing tool
• Familiarity with application and infrastructure monitoring tools
• Ability to write performance test plans, approaches, and reports
• Programming experience in languages such as C, C#, Java, or Python
• Good problem‑solving skills, with the confidence to propose solutions
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical findings clearly
• Client‑facing mindset with a focus on quality and professionalism

Technical skills & tools

• Working knowledge of performance testing tools such as JMeter and/or NeoLoad
• Understanding of performance engineering principles and methodologies
• Theoretical knowledge supported by basic to intermediate practical experience
• Awareness of modern delivery models, platforms, and retail technology environments

What we offer

• Personal relationships with an open‑door leadership team
• Challenging, consultancy‑led technical work across a variety of client projects
• Remote‑first working with flexibility and paid travel when required
• A business owned by practising consultants, with shared purpose and principles
• Pick‑and‑mix benefits allowance
• Dedicated career coach from day one, with ongoing development support

Plus:
• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + public holidays
• Day off for your birthday
• L&D allowance and training days
• Pension with auto‑enrolment after one month

Spike is an equal opportunities employer.