Explore Lead Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Lead Engineer Do?

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.

Qualifications for Lead Engineer Roles

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.

Lead Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Lead Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$100K - $150K *

Shape the future of enterprise AI by developing innovative solutions that enhance workflows and drive business enablement. Collaborate across divisions to translate technical specifications into impac...

Wakefield, MARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of software engineering by leading modernization efforts, solving complex technical challenges, and mentoring teams. Collaborate across product boundaries to enhance system architectu...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$184K - $205K *

Empower our Data/AI team by leading engineering efforts to enhance machine learning and data architecture, driving innovation within a collaborative and high-performance environment focused on effecti...

CanadaRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative structural design solutions for utility projects, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced environmen...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$180K - $250K *

Tackle systemic challenges by building tools and practices that enhance performance, scalability, and decision-making across engineering teams, fostering collaboration and driving solutions that bridg...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $120K *

Optimize building assessments and capital projects while leading teams and managing client relationships. Oversee project scopes, budgets, and timelines to deliver impactful outcomes in a collaborativ...

Victoria, BCRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...

Orlando, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Engage in a dynamic role overseeing large projects and teams, ensuring successful delivery through effective stakeholder coordination and project management. Contribute to innovative power delivery so...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$230K - $368K *

Shape the future of high-scale SaaS solutions by leading architectural design, guiding teams, and driving impactful software strategies in a collaborative environment that values innovation and mentor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Optimize your career by leading the design and implementation of secure cloud infrastructure for federal spectrum management systems, ensuring reliability and compliance while mentoring junior enginee...

Washington, DCRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Contribute to the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and engage with clients to deliver...

Rancho Cordova, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the design and analysis of water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and innovation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance community serv...

Oakland, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Engage in the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers...

Riverside, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Empower communities by leading innovative water infrastructure projects. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you'll design and analyze critical facilities, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$89K - $125K *

Partner with us to integrate new firms into our IT environment, managing Microsoft 365 migrations and Active Directory consolidations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$94K - $143K *

Lead the charge in developing structural designs using advanced modeling software. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to create detailed drawings and resolve design challenges, ensuring timely...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$176K - $220K *

Drive impactful platform engineering initiatives, leveraging deep expertise to architect scalable solutions and guide clients through complex technical landscapes while fostering collaboration and inn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$225K - $265K *

Drive the development of seamless integrations for security platforms, leading a team to deliver high-quality, reliable products that enhance customer security stacks and ensure compatibility with evo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$207K - $250K *

Unlock your potential as you lead engineering teams in building innovative platforms and AI experiences. Collaborate across departments to drive technical direction and elevate team performance while...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$118K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading structural engineering reviews for renewable energy projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to optimize design, support financing, and deliver actionable insights...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving sales success through lead generation and client education. This role involves delivering impactful product demonstrations and collaborating with sales teams to...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation as you design complex electrical systems, lead projects, mentor teams, and ensure high-quality deliverables. Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams, utilizing advanced BI...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $177K *

Lead the charge in software development across a cross-functional team while ensuring quality and technical excellence. Balance hands-on coding with team leadership to deliver high-value applications...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$165K - $185K *

Unlock your potential by leading the design and implementation of innovative digital solutions for Veteran healthcare services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise applicatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$285K - $320K *

Lead the charge in delivering Honeycomb Private Cloud, driving product growth, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational processes while building a high-performing engineering team to supp...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Lead Engineer?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Lead Engineer listings on Ladders, review each role’s compensation and requirements, and highlight relevant technical achievements and leadership experience in your application.