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.
$140K - $190K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team leading innovative ad experiences. Drive product strategy through data-driven decisions while managing a cross-functional squad focused on quality and user trust i...
Reposted today
Lead Substation Electrical Owner's Engineer
$123K - $159K *
Unlock potential by providing expert electrical engineering support for major EPC transmission and substation projects, ensuring compliance, quality, and effective communication throughout all project...
2 days ago
Software Engineer III, Infrastructure, Google Distributed Cloud
$147K - $210K *
Empower your career with a role focused on developing large-scale infrastructure and distributed systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance cloud technologies and deliver critical services for diverse...
3 weeks ago
Lead Constructability Specialist
$111K - $150K *
Join a team that's advancing constructability practices across major projects. Lead the integration of strategies, mentor teams, and ensure consistent standards while driving continuous improvement in...
1 month ago
Principal Analog Design Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Join a dynamic team to shape the future of high-speed analog design, focusing on innovative circuit architectures for next-gen AI technologies. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects that drive performa...
2 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Champion the design and implementation of scalable data pipelines, ensuring data integrity and availability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and enhance infrastructu...
5 days ago
Software Engineer (L2) - Platform Integrations
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing integration features across modern and legacy systems. You'll design APIs, deliver high-quality integrations, and collaborate with experienced engineers to dr...
3 weeks ago
Team Lead, Senior Instructional Designer
$76K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of customer education through innovative instructional design. Leverage your expertise to create engaging learning experiences that empower users and drive succes...
3 weeks ago
Protection and Controls Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to innovative energy solutions by leading electrical design projects, mentoring engineers, and ensuring high-quality standards in protection and controls engineering. Collaborate with teams...
6 days ago
Principal AI Software Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in designing and deploying AI systems that enhance productivity and customer experience across multiple departments, driving innovation and efficiency through advanced AI capabilities...
2 weeks ago
Construction Project Management Director
$140K - $160K *
Lead our initiatives in designing and constructing innovative water and carbon capture facilities globally. Collaborate across teams to ensure project success within budget and timeline while promotin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Front-End Engineer (React, TypeScript and MUI)
$120K - $140K *
Lead a dynamic team to design and develop innovative front-end solutions using React and TypeScript. Mentor engineers, drive technical direction, and ensure high-quality software delivery in a collabo...
2 weeks ago
Senior Substation Relay + Control Engineer
$105K - $150K *
Elevate the future of high-voltage systems by leading design and delivery of protection and control solutions for substations, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry standar...
1 week ago
Manager, Software Engineering - Remote
$110K - $130K *
Lead and inspire a dynamic team in delivering high-quality Pega projects. Oversee project execution, foster continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with business goals while mentoring team member...
2 weeks ago
$84K - $105K *
Drive project success by managing client relationships and leading implementation strategies. Collaborate with teams to assess needs, develop plans, and ensure timely delivery while navigating challen...
1 week ago
$84K - $105K *
Deliver exceptional client engagement by managing project success, assessing needs, and developing strategic plans. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure timely and budget-compliant implementations wh...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $164K *
Join a team that's redefining customer engagement by bridging technical expertise and sales strategy. Leverage your skills to translate complex aircraft capabilities into tailored solutions, driving b...
5 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Advance your career by leading energy engineering initiatives that drive project success. Collaborate with sales and operations teams to deliver innovative energy efficiency solutions while ensuring t...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation by deploying and troubleshooting advanced IP networks in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to integrate cutting-edge security technologies while ensuring seamless connectiv...
Reposted yesterday
$85K - $170K *
Engage in our DevSecOps practice to develop APIs and integrations, ensuring secure systems and effective communication between stakeholders and developers. Contribute to continuous improvement while m...
4 days ago
Product Engineer- Endpoint Security
$90K - $153K *
Lead the enhancement and administration of enterprise endpoint security technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize security processes and improve detection capabilities in a g...
2 weeks ago
$151K - $176K *
Lead the charge in ensuring compliance and optimization for next-gen satellite communications by translating complex regulations and providing technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams, drivin...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate data-driven strategies by leading Business Intelligence initiatives, enhancing data flow, and collaborating across teams to unlock growth opportunities and inform decision-making through acti...
Yesterday
Senior AI Software Engineer (RD271)
$148K - $201K *
Join us to shape the future of secure software delivery by developing AI-driven workflows and orchestrating complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive solutions that...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer - Online Experience (Remote)
$140K - $240K *
Shape the future of customer experiences by leading software architecture and development across multiple product teams. Collaborate closely with UX and engineering to deliver innovative, AI-driven so...
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.