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.
$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...
Today
$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...
3 days ago
Engineering Manager, AI Engineering
$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...
Reposted yesterday
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Project Manager - Capital Planning
$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...
Reposted 4 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 5 days ago
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Structural Project Designer - Nuclear
$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...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer (Remote)
$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...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Partner Integrations
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
6 days ago
Senior Structural Engineer -- S&L Consulting
$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...
6 days ago
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Tenant
$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...
3 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.