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.
Experienced Electrical Engineering Consultant
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Elevate your career by leading consulting engagements in utility-scale power generation, focusing on renewable energy and battery storage. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to deliver innovati...
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Shape the future of product design by transforming concepts into high-fidelity experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user interactions through innovative prototyping and AI-a...
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$104K - $172K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring successful ServiceNow implementations. You'll lead onboarding, manage projects, and build strong relationships with clients, balancing technical expertise and...
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$164K - $226K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving a robust entity data platform, ensuring accurate and timely data delivery while enhancing system reliability and reducing manual validation through innovative...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of mobile technology by developing innovative React Native applications for diverse gaming products, ensuring high-quality user experiences across multiple platfor...
1 week ago
Senior Backend Software Engineer
$149K - $235K *
Lead complex backend projects from design to launch, tackling architecture challenges and mentoring junior developers. Collaborate across teams to drive initiatives and ensure high-quality code throug...
3 weeks ago
Infrastructure Solutions Engineer
$136K - $170K *
Drive impactful infrastructure solutions by collaborating with engineering teams to resolve blockers, execute migrations, and develop tooling. Leverage your expertise to enhance platform adoption and...
3 weeks ago
Member of Engineering, Backend - AI
$250K - $250K+*
Pioneer the future of developer AI by architecting scalable backend systems that enhance real-world product experiences through developer-centric cloud infrastructure...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Platform Engineer (Infrastructure)
$120K - $145K *
Partner with us to optimize and scale our Ruby on Rails applications, ensuring high availability and performance. Leverage your expertise in cloud infrastructure and Site Reliability Engineering to dr...
Yesterday
Linux Development Engineer – eLxr Distribution
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of Linux development by enhancing a Debian-based distribution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable platform capabilities for mission-criti...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative infrastructure solutions for scalable deployments, collaborating with customers to refine requirements, and enhancing operational efficiency through automation a...
Reposted 5 days ago
Project Manager - Building Restoration
$80K - $95K *
Lead project management efforts for building restoration, from design through completion. Drive client engagement, technical development, and ensure exceptional service delivery while managing timelin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Transform data into actionable insights by analyzing EV telematics and charging patterns. Collaborate across teams to enhance data quality and drive product innovation, shaping the future of electric...
Yesterday
Mid-Level Grid Interconnection Consultant
$81K - $124K *
Lead the charge in utility planning and advisory projects, focusing on generator interconnection applications, power system studies, and advanced grid evaluations to support clients in optimizing thei...
1 week ago
Lead Platform Engineer - Infrastructure & Backend
$150K - $185K *
Take ownership of our cloud and backend infrastructure, driving technical direction and improvements. Lead a team to ensure reliability and scalability of systems supporting our games and analytics, w...
6 days ago
Senior Supervising Process Engineer
$125K - $225K *
Drive innovation and strategic leadership in wastewater treatment and reuse projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, cutting-edge engineering solutions while fostering client...
Reposted yesterday
$83K - $118K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex IT/SaaS projects, driving execution, and enhancing business processes. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure project success while utilizing Agile methodolo...
4 weeks ago
Lead AI and Data Solution Engineer
$200K - $215K *
Drive innovation in data engineering and AI solutions, leading the design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance business value through advanced technol...
4 weeks ago
$101K - $125K *
Drive the execution of immersive projects by providing technical oversight and support, ensuring seamless integration and coordination with partners globally while maintaining high standards of qualit...
6 days ago
$170K - $190K *
Engage in transforming healthcare by designing and deploying AI solutions that enhance clinician efficiency and patient outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate advanced automati...
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Senior Engineering Manager, AI Foundations
$253K - $298K *
Transform AI infrastructure by leading engineering efforts, driving innovation, and ensuring operational excellence across shared services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Physical Integration (R6364)
$170K - $260K *
Transform aircraft capabilities by integrating weapons and payloads. Collaborate with design teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with military standards while supporting testing...
2 weeks ago
Director of Product Design, Engage
$195K - $208K *
Reimagine user experiences by leading design for core product features, ensuring seamless integration and customer delight. Collaborate across teams to enhance engagement and trust, shaping the future...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform the legal landscape by building a cutting-edge platform that automates core operations for law firms. Collaborate with attorneys to enhance efficiency and deliver innovative solutions that r...
6 days ago
Senior Engineering Consultant - Equity Due Diligence
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading complex commercial real estate due diligence projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide technical guidance and client leadership, ensuring high-quality d...
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.