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.
$102K - $170K *
Unlock innovative data solutions by leading integration strategies and architectural decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure data and AI solutions while driving...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by driving customer success and technical solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance client relationships, identify growth opportunities, and ensure maximum va...
2 weeks ago
$66K - $106K *
Shape the future by collaborating with stakeholders to analyze and document system requirements, ensuring clarity and consistency across products while enhancing functionality and user experience in a...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Elevate customer experiences by serving as a technical liaison, driving revenue growth through innovative solutions and expert support in the Precision Medicine sector. Collaborate with sales teams to...
1 week ago
Principal Sales Applications Engineer
$128K - $188K *
Drive your career with impactful technical sales in the medical device sector. Lead customer engagements, identify new business opportunities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance pr...
2 weeks ago
Director, Research and Development
$125K - $135K *
Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Lead the charge in enhancing infrastructure reliability and automation for large-scale game development projects, collaborating with teams to implement cloud solutions and streamline CI/CD processes...
2 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Empower innovation by leading the development of production Generative AI solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, build, and optimize workflows, ensuring operational excellence a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Machine Learning Engineer (Model Dev)
$140K - $180K *
Transform cancer care by developing AI biomarkers through collaboration with ML scientists and clinical partners, enhancing model robustness and interpretability across diverse datasets to improve pat...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Lead the design and optimization of hybrid infrastructure, focusing on Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. Ensure secure, scalable, and reliable technology solutions that align with business needs whil...
2 days ago
$139K - $174K *
Lead structural design for complex projects, focusing on data centers and industrial facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring junior engine...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team as a senior technical leader, driving innovative platform solutions and enhancing integration processes. Collaborate across teams to improve user experiences and streamline operati...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Principal Software Engineer
$243K - $318K *
Elevate your career by providing technical leadership across Dev AI platforms. Shape architectural strategies, drive cross-organizational initiatives, and enhance engineering quality while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Enterprise
$193K - $309K *
Innovate by leading the development of scalable features for our Sports & Entertainment platform. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences and drive Toast's success while mentoring fel...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate client support solutions by diagnosing and resolving technical issues, managing platform migrations, and enhancing customer satisfaction through proactive service and continuous improvement...
Yesterday
$104K - $130K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on advanced electrical design for mission-critical facilities. Collaborate with experts, lead projects, and enhance your skills in a supportive remot...
2 days ago
Solutions Engineering Manager | DX
$179K - $234K *
Lead the charge in developing a high-performing Solutions Engineering team, driving pre-sales strategies, optimizing processes, and collaborating across functions to enhance customer success and accel...
1 week ago
Sr. Analyst, Strategic Partner Operations
$94K - $155K *
Lead the charge in optimizing partner relationships and Pre-Buy execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance sales strategies, manage complex programs, and ensure compliance while driving reve...
4 weeks ago
$121K - $208K *
Transform operational efficiencies by designing and deploying high-performance integration solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance user experiences and ensure data integrity across multi-t...
1 week ago
$104K - $155K *
Lead the charge in customer-focused project management, ensuring effective delivery of technical solutions while coordinating with diverse stakeholders and fostering strong relationships for successfu...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Software Architect (Graph Architect)
$150K - $180K *
Lead the architectural vision for scalable Identity Resolution platforms, driving innovation in enterprise applications and data processing. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure robust, high-p...
3 weeks ago
Central Engineering Team Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving innovation and product development while ensuring quality and efficiency in facility design and technical support for sales initiatives...
3 weeks ago
$144K - $170K *
Join a team that's leading the charge in renewable energy construction. Oversee multiple utility-scale projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution while managing contractors and stakeholder...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II, Mobile (iOS) - Global Monetization (AI Native)
$118K - $216K *
Reimagine mobile monetization by leveraging AI to build premium user experiences. Drive product innovation and ownership, ensuring reliability for millions of users while expanding into new markets wi...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Product Security Office
$200K - $250K *
Champion product security initiatives by leading a skilled team, architecting compliance frameworks, and managing incident response to enhance trust across all products and stakeholders...
6 days 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.