Lead Engineers guide technical teams, shape engineering decisions, and help turn complex requirements into reliable products and systems. Browse vetted Lead Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles paying $100,000 or more across software, hardware, infrastructure, and other engineering disciplines.
A Lead Engineer combines deep technical expertise with team leadership. Responsibilities may include designing system architectures, reviewing code or technical work, setting engineering standards, mentoring team members, coordinating delivery, and partnering with product, design, and business stakeholders. The exact scope varies by company and specialty.
Employers commonly seek substantial experience in a relevant engineering discipline, a record of delivering complex projects, and strong problem-solving and communication skills. Many roles require expertise in specific programming languages, platforms, tools, or engineering methods. People leadership may be part of the job, though some Lead Engineers lead through technical direction rather than direct management.
Compensation depends on industry, location, specialization, company size, and the role’s scope. Lead Engineer positions can offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits, with many opportunities on Ladders paying $100,000 or more. Experienced professionals may progress into Staff or Principal Engineer, Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, or other technical leadership roles.
Search Lead Engineer openings to find roles aligned with your skills, experience, and career goals. Review job requirements and responsibilities, then tailor your résumé to highlight technical impact, project leadership, and measurable outcomes. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying at least $100,000.
$124K - $238K *
Join a team that's driving innovation through systems engineering as you design, integrate, and validate software systems, ensuring alignment with overarching objectives while collaborating closely wi...
Reposted 2 days ago
Staff/Principal Design Systems Lead
$150K - $180K *
Drive the evolution of our design system by building foundational infrastructure that empowers designers, engineers, and AI agents to create cohesive, high-quality experiences while leading a growing...
1 week ago
Substation Structural Engineer
$87K - $157K *
Lead the charge in designing and reviewing structural components for substation and transmission projects, ensuring quality control and mentoring junior engineers while engaging with clients and suppo...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...
Reposted yesterday
Electrical and Controls Engineer
$120K - $170K *
Manage technical design leadership for industrial projects, coordinating PLC/DCS, HMI, and motion control systems. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality project outcomes while supporting clie...
4 weeks ago
$59K - $106K *
Drive high-voltage transmission line design projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to execute technical tasks, prepare documentation, and enha...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance a leading practice management platform. Collaborate with engineers and designers to build innovative solutions, leveraging modern technologies in a fast-paced, agile env...
5 days ago
Senior Data Engineer - Data Platform
$130K - $160K *
Champion the migration to a modern Databricks lakehouse, designing robust data pipelines and ensuring data quality. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics capabilities and set technical standards...
2 weeks ago
Senior Tooling and Automation Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Empower our Managed Services tooling ecosystem by designing integrations and automations. You'll lead the configuration of Jira Service Management, optimize alerting, and ensure seamless connectivity...
1 week ago
Head of Engineering, Insurance Division
$210K - $294K *
Shape the future of home insurance by leading engineering efforts that integrate AI into policy administration and underwriting, enhancing agent and consumer experiences while ensuring compliance in a...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower your software engineering skills by driving the development of essential features within a collaborative, agile team environment while maintaining the integrity of a diverse codebase...
Reposted yesterday
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
3 weeks ago
$144K - $209K *
Drive innovation by building scalable software solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and tackle complex challenges while leveraging cutting-edge tech...
6 days ago
$113K - $198K *
Transform your career by leading innovative fire engineering projects, mentoring teams, and driving business development. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver complex design solutions while ensur...
6 days ago
Lead Forward Deployed Engineer (AI Enablement)
$194K - $272K *
Elevate AI solutions by leading engineering efforts that transform business workflows. Collaborate with teams to identify opportunities, prototype solutions, and implement scalable AI applications tha...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer, Search
$150K - $180K *
Transform the geocoding platform by enhancing data quality and search systems. Leverage ML and LLMs to optimize query understanding and automate data pipelines, impacting over 1 billion API calls dail...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Open Source (RD217)
$148K - $201K *
Empower the development of our open source software solutions while collaborating with engineers and community contributors. Leverage your cloud native expertise to enhance mission outcomes through in...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$74K - $115K *
Transform urban infrastructure by managing street and sidewalk maintenance projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure compliance, oversee contracts, and deliver timely results that enhance com...
Today
Manufacturing Solutions Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Support manufacturers by implementing solutions that enhance operational performance. Collaborate with teams to drive adoption and deliver measurable improvements, ensuring lasting value from the plat...
2 weeks ago
$132K - $176K *
Transform your career by leading the design and implementation of innovative DevOps practices that accelerate software delivery and operational excellence in a high-accountability environment. Drive c...
Reposted today
Director of Engineering, Database Excellence
$230K - $345K *
Lead the charge in database excellence to enhance reliability, performance, and sustainability of GitLab's datastores. Shape long-range strategies while collaborating across teams to drive success in...
Reposted yesterday
$125K - $150K *
Empower growth by leading customer acquisition and expansion strategies across self-serve and sales channels. Drive performance metrics, build AI systems, and collaborate with teams to optimize revenu...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Software Engineer (Secret Clearance Eligible)
$160K - $200K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI systems by leveraging your expertise in Go and Python. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize and refine scalable services, ensuring high performance and u...
Reposted 5 days ago
$123K - $185K *
Lead the charge in optimizing process control and equipment projects across multiple manufacturing plants, driving improvements and ensuring effective implementation in the Feed Manufacturing Operatio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$63K - $111K *
Elevate project execution by supporting engineering and construction teams in delivering complex industrial infrastructure projects through technical coordination and quality assurance activities...
1 week ago
What is a Lead Engineer?
A Lead Engineer is an experienced technical professional who guides engineering work, helps make design and implementation decisions, and often mentors or coordinates a team. The role may or may not include direct reports.
What does a Lead Engineer do?
Common duties include defining technical approaches, designing systems, reviewing engineering work, resolving complex problems, mentoring colleagues, and coordinating with other teams to deliver projects.
What qualifications do Lead Engineer jobs require?
Requirements vary by specialty, but employers often look for significant relevant engineering experience, strong technical skills, a history of successful project delivery, and effective communication. Some positions also require people-management experience.
How much do Lead Engineers earn?
Pay varies by location, industry, specialization, and seniority. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including Lead Engineer opportunities.
What is the difference between a Lead Engineer and an Engineering Manager?
A Lead Engineer typically focuses on technical direction and engineering execution, while an Engineering Manager often emphasizes team operations, staffing, and performance. In some organizations, responsibilities overlap.
How can I find Lead Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Lead Engineer listings on Ladders, review each role’s compensation and requirements, and highlight relevant technical achievements and leadership experience in your application.