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.
Sr Software Engineer (Backend)
$140K - $165K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and development of complex software systems. Drive technical direction, mentor peers, and ensure high-quality, scalable solutions that align with business go...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Full-Stack
$140K - $180K *
Champion innovation by developing full-stack web applications using TypeScript. Collaborate in a dynamic, remote-first team to deliver engaging user experiences, streamline operations, and lead techni...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as a Technical Project Manager, driving software delivery timelines and ensuring seamless project execution with engineering and product teams. Foster strong stakeholder relation...
1 week ago
Software Engineer, Data & Analytics Platform
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's building and scaling a data and analytics platform to enhance clinical AI performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create actionable insights and drive improvements i...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in coordinating a dynamic technical team, ensuring seamless delivery across multiple workstreams while aligning development efforts with strategic program goals. Drive efficiency and f...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize our product suite to elevate financial advisory capabilities through innovative AI solutions. Lead the entire product lifecycle, collaborating with diverse teams to transform complex workflow...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Consumer
$159K - $254K *
Transform the digital dining experience by leading full-stack development efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance guest interactions through cutting-edge web solutio...
Reposted 5 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer - Investor Solutions
$134K - $209K *
Elevate your career by designing and optimizing a cutting-edge Research Platform. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle complex financial datasets and build resilient systems that drive insights f...
Yesterday
Senior Project Manager, Construction
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional project management across all phases, ensuring client satisfaction and operational excellence while mentoring fellow Project Managers for continu...
2 weeks ago
$119K - $139K *
Champion the development of innovative data solutions, leveraging Azure pipelines to create robust data assets. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex requirements into effective technical...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Cloud Security Engineering
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in cloud security engineering by managing a team of experts to design and implement robust security controls across AWS, Azure, and GCP, ensuring compliance and operational excellence...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II, Mobile - On App Ads (AI Native)
$118K - $216K *
Lead the development of innovative ad solutions for a high-traffic mobile app, enhancing user experience while driving revenue. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement AI-driven workflows...
Yesterday
$109K - $140K *
Shape the future of product design by owning the user experience for a flagship product. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence design direction and deliver impactful solutions that reso...
2 weeks ago
Senior Transmission Line Engineer 2 - Grid
$100K - $152K *
Unlock your potential by designing high-voltage transmission lines, leading project teams, and collaborating with clients. Utilize your engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions and mentor j...
1 week ago
$110K - $160K *
Lead day-to-day reliability for our SRE-DevOps team, ensuring production AWS environments are secure and well-documented. Collaborate on automation, incident response, and compliance while working ind...
3 weeks ago
Lead Specialist, Solution Architect
$150K - $160K *
Design innovative solutions for a secure online proctored testing platform, guiding engineering teams in modernizing architecture and ensuring scalable, reliable delivery while enhancing candidate and...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Champion customer solutions by developing technical expertise across platforms, integrations, and operational processes. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues and ensure successful implementations...
Today
$80K - $120K *
Contribute to customer success by developing technical expertise across platforms, integrations, and operational processes. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues and enhance solutions, while gainin...
Today
Sr Software Engineer - Full Stack Developer
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, leading full-stack development and architecture for impactful business applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance platform capabilities while mento...
1 week ago
$160K - $180K *
Lead the charge in driving agile execution across product and engineering teams, managing digital product launches and enhancing client value through innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functional...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Designer, Mobile
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing intuitive AI experiences for diverse construction teams, blending interaction and visual design. You'll create mobile-first solutions for Superintendents and DCOs, ensuri...
Reposted 2 days ago
Manager - Software Development Engineering S 4D
$80K - $100K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic project initiatives while fostering a cultur...
2 weeks ago
Thermal Performance Engineer, Heat Balance - Kiewit Power Engineering
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining power plant performance analysis. Lead thermal modeling, collaborate with vendors, and execute field tests to ensure optimal plant efficiency and reliability. Your expert...
1 week ago
Senior Imaging Engineer (Central)
$80K - $130K *
Transform healthcare by providing expert imaging support in a dynamic hospital environment. Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure optimal performance of diagnostic systems, enhancing patient care...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate and deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment, leveraging modern technologies to enhance product functionality and customer satisfact...
Reposted today
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.