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.
Design Engineer - MRF and Transfer Stations
$140K - $200K *
Transform the Southwest's waste management landscape by leading design and project management for Transfer Stations and MRFs. Drive business development and foster team growth while ensuring technical...
3 days ago
$190K *
Lead the design and evolution of backend systems, tackling complex challenges while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions that enhance user experience and d...
Yesterday
Community Engineer (SWE3), Brilliant Black Minds (United States)
$157K - $180K *
Join a team that's driving innovation by building AI-powered tools for a vibrant community of diverse software engineers. You'll blend hands-on engineering with community management to enhance technic...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Platform
$135K - $160K *
Transform the core platform of a 1-1 coaching marketplace by co-owning its architecture, enhancing scalability, and driving technical direction. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and effici...
2 days ago
$150K - $240K *
Develop innovative PCB layouts and improve product designs by collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ensure high quality and compliance throughout the engineering and manufacturing process, while...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $160K *
Accelerate innovation by merging creative technology with AI capabilities, driving impactful solutions that enhance workflows and empower teams. Collaborate across disciplines to transform emerging te...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer: Growth Engineering
$137K - $203K *
Optimize cross-functional collaboration and drive impactful engineering projects, leveraging extensive full-stack expertise. Lead the development of scalable APIs and user experiences within a mission...
Reposted 3 days ago
$99K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and coordinating mechanical systems for diverse projects. Ensure compliance, constructability, and alignment with client goals while managing documentation and client comm...
Yesterday
$69K - $107K *
Champion client success by leveraging technical expertise to enhance platform value, optimize workflows, and drive measurable outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative so...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Manager, EPC Estimation
$120K - $145K *
Oversee global EPC proposal processes for Battery Energy Storage Systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions while driving continuous improveme...
2 weeks ago
Engineering - BIM Technician III
$92K - $139K *
Empower your career by leading advanced BIM processes and model coordination for complex engineering projects. Utilize your expertise to enhance workflows, ensure compliance, and foster client relatio...
2 weeks ago
Lead Product Engineer - (AIOps for Observability) - Remote
$100K - $170K *
Transform your career by leading the development of AI-powered observability solutions that enhance operational efficiency and system resilience across multi-cloud environments. Drive innovation in au...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Project Manager - Water
$130K - $176K *
Lead complex water resources projects, integrating technical and commercial strategies while guiding multidisciplinary teams through planning, execution, and client engagement to ensure successful del...
2 days ago
Senior Manager, Software Development
$95K - $135K *
Drive technical excellence and team growth by leading software development initiatives, managing resources, and ensuring project alignment with business goals while maintaining security and operationa...
1 week ago
Principal TA Systems Architect
$128K - $205K *
Elevate your career by owning the TA tech stack, driving integrations, and enhancing system efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and lead vendor relationships, all...
Reposted 5 days ago
Sr. Principal Engineer - Vision Intelligence
$104K - $173K *
Elevate your career by leading Vision Intelligence initiatives in computer vision, machine learning, and edge AI. Drive technical roadmaps and scalable architectures while translating advanced researc...
1 week ago
$195K - $230K *
Drive growth by leading go-to-market strategies for TMC partnerships, building and executing plans from the ground up. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence product development and represent the...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable, cloud-native APIs. Drive innovation in a green field project while ensuring system reliability and operational health with a focus o...
1 week ago
Staff Front End Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Shape the future of investment technology by developing scalable front-end applications using React and TypeScript. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive innova...
3 weeks ago
$165K - $292K *
Shape the future of user experience by leading design across multiple products. In this strategic role, you will influence a team of designers, drive innovative product development, and elevate design...
Reposted yesterday
$126K - $171K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative project management solutions for large law firms. Drive implementations, manage resources, and ensure client satisfaction while navigating complex challenges a...
3 weeks ago
$218K - $273K *
Innovate with us to shape the future of our web console. As a Frontend Engineer, you'll drive architecture, enhance user experience, and collaborate across teams to deliver secure, scalable solutions...
2 days ago
$163K - $204K *
Partner with us to architect and enhance our next-gen web console, driving frontend infrastructure and user experience across multiple products while ensuring robust security and seamless integration...
2 days ago
$145K - $185K *
Champion complex heavy civil construction projects from planning to execution, collaborating with field leadership, clients, and subcontractors to ensure safety, quality, and successful project delive...
1 week ago
Senior Backend Software Engineer
$144K - $189K *
Join a team that's driving complex projects from design to launch, tackling architecture challenges and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to implement scalable solutions while ensuring cod...
2 weeks 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.