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.
$106K - $198K *
Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...
1 week ago
Principal Customer Success Executive - Manufacturing Vertical
$162K - $283K *
Optimize customer success by driving growth and retention for high-value manufacturing accounts. Engage with C-suite executives to co-develop digital transformation strategies, ensuring measurable out...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Object Storage - DGX Cloud
$272K - $431K *
Drive the development of a critical object storage platform, leading a high-performance engineering team to ensure reliability and scalability for AI workloads. Own the full software lifecycle while f...
Today
Staff Fullstack Engineer (TypeScript)
$190K - $240K *
Deliver high-quality fullstack web solutions, owning major product features from design to launch while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance platform reliability and performance...
Yesterday
$133K - $180K *
Shape the future of wood processing by optimizing mill operations and material flow, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. Collaborate across teams to drive modernization, execute strategic projects...
Reposted yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading technical solutions for enterprise SaaS implementations. Collaborate closely with clients to translate business needs into actionable technical designs, ensuring successful...
Reposted yesterday
Lead Technical Program Manager - Remote
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's driving complex, cross-functional programs that enhance client engineering requests and ensure timely delivery. You'll shape processes, manage dependencies, and support Tier 1 clien...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical and Design Engineer
$93K - $137K *
Innovate across capital projects and chemical operations, delivering practical mechanical engineering solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective project execution a...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Central Utilities and District Energy
$120K - $155K *
Join a team that's leading the design and implementation of central utility systems. You'll manage complex projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in energy solutions for diverse facilities...
1 month ago
Sr. Software Engineer (C# .NET)
$112K - $155K *
Accelerate progress at a leading tech firm by developing scalable, cloud-native APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance core offerings and lead discussions on software architecture, e...
3 weeks ago
$111K - $150K *
Join a team that's advancing renewable energy solutions through expert power system analysis. Lead complex studies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative engineering practices...
3 weeks ago
Senior Structural Designer 1 - Nuclear
$77K - $118K *
Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $135K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing enterprise proposals and plans, ensuring compliance and quality across submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance win strategies and dri...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the modernization and development of business applications, combining hands-on engineering with Agile project coordination. Collaborate with teams to enhance functionality while ensuring data int...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing a large-scale FHWA communications program, ensuring effective contract leadership, quality management, and stakeholder engagement across a multidisciplinary team to deliver...
1 month ago
Systems Engineering/DevSecOps Lead
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in enhancing secure software delivery processes through CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure as code. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable appli...
1 week ago
Senior Workforce Solutions Engineer
$104K - $153K *
Unlock your potential by leading the technical delivery of workforce applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity through automation, AI, and integrations, ensuring secure and efficien...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in data analysis and psychometrics to drive innovative assessment solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance educational outcomes through advan...
4 weeks ago
Principal Technical Program Manager, New Product Development
$150K - $200K *
Manage advanced product development programs for data center infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive comprehensive manufacturing strategies, optimize operations, and ensure...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, AI Developer Experience
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in building AI-powered engineering systems that enhance developer workflows, ensuring reliability and ease of adoption for engineers. Collaborate with teams to create innovative soluti...
1 week ago
Capital Project Engineer - CommissioningCC&S -Pulp/Paper industry - Remote w/travel
$137K - $183K *
Empower your career by leading capital projects in commissioning. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful startup and adherence to safety standards while traveling extensively to drive pro...
2 weeks ago
Capital Project Engineer - CommissioningCC&S -Pulp/Paper industry - Remote w/travel
$137K - $183K *
Lead the commissioning process for capital projects in the pulp and paper industry. Collaborate with diverse teams, oversee testing procedures, and ensure safety compliance while traveling extensively...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform PCB design processes in a dynamic environment, collaborating with engineers and contractors to ensure high-quality, high-speed digital and mixed signal PCB layouts that meet stringent requir...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and customize software solutions, leveraging your expertise in Java, AWS, and agile methodologies. Collaborate on innovative projects that meet client needs while enhanc...
1 month ago
Senior Full Stack Engineer, Customer & Cardholder Experiences
$116K - $145K *
Innovate and enhance user experiences by designing and developing robust software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful projects while mentoring junior engineers and...
4 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.