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.
$72K - $100K *
Join our dynamic team as a Sr. Credit Analyst, owning the underwriting cycle from application review to decision-making. Leverage your analytical skills to enhance credit processes and contribute to a...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...
Reposted 4 days ago
Engineering Manager, Enablement
$150K - $185K *
Champion the development of high-trust engineering teams while managing intake, capacity planning, and operational excellence. Drive delivery and foster collaboration across functions to meet evolving...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer Lead, Security Foundations
$160K - $190K *
Transform security solutions across multiple domains, driving technical direction and collaboration to address high-risk items and enhance Meta's security posture company-wide. Lead cross-functional t...
1 week ago
$101K - $140K *
Drive the evolution of Business Systems by integrating automation and AI into our go-to-market processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build scalable systems that enhance efficiency and...
5 days ago
Lead Engineer, Merchandise Technology
$125K - $160K *
Shape the future of global merchandising technology by leading engineering efforts, driving modernization, and ensuring high-quality delivery across diverse platforms. Collaborate with teams to implem...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Tenant
$208K - $234K *
Drive the growth of Honeycomb Private Cloud by leading a senior engineering team, enhancing customer relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across multiple engineering domains. Collaborate...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $230K *
Elevate your career by owning the infrastructure and security of a multi-environment platform. Collaborate with leadership to build and operate systems that support critical government operations and...
Yesterday
Director, Production and Infrastructure Engineering
$240K - $290K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on production and infrastructure. Drive performance, foster collaboration, and deliver innovative solutions while managing diverse tec...
1 week ago
$111K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and integration of advanced electrical control systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance efficiency and mentor junior members while ensuring proj...
1 month ago
Manager, Software Engineering - Engineering Tools
$120K - $148K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AEC software by leading engineering talent and enhancing workflows. Drive innovation in Autodesk Revit add-ins and tools while fostering a collaborative enviro...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's leading the modernization of a legacy system. Drive architectural decisions, enhance engineering practices, and foster a culture of innovation while ensuring reliable delivery and c...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $205K *
Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...
4 weeks ago
Lead Engineer - Payments Platform
$186K - $236K *
Lead the design and development of scalable payment solutions, shaping the future of money movement for small businesses. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver resilient engineering solutions whil...
3 weeks ago
$81K *
Manage and enhance public health technology platforms, ensuring secure, reliable operations for local, state, and federal agencies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize system performan...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager II, Runtime Services
$208K - $429K *
Inspire innovation as you lead a high-performing team to enhance large-scale platforms, driving automation and operational excellence while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across th...
1 week ago
Lead Electrical and Controls Engineer - Paper Industry
$110K - $140K *
Provide technical leadership in electrical and controls engineering for industrial projects, ensuring high-quality design and integration of systems while collaborating with clients and teams to drive...
4 days ago
Application Engineer (Switchgear)
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by bridging sales and engineering as a key technical resource. You'll scope, quote, and support customer needs for low and medium-voltage switchgear solutions, ensuring alignment w...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $220K *
Manage and elevate a team of engineers to deliver AI-powered healthcare solutions. Oversee project planning, architecture, and team development while ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced, re...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your recruiting career by leading high-impact searches for Director-level and above roles. Collaborate with senior leaders to shape talent strategies, drive full-cycle recruiting, and build ex...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...
4 weeks ago
Senior Field Engineer, Data Center Design and Engineering
$320K - $405K *
Transform the future of data center engineering by resolving on-site technical issues, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring project success through effective problem-solving and communication...
6 days ago
Senior Manager, Engineering - Onboarding
$217K - $264K *
Lead and optimize the engineering team to enhance customer onboarding and lifecycle management, ensuring robust risk management and compliance across products while fostering a high-performing, inclus...
Reposted today
Lead Software Engineer, AI Platform
$164K - $240K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build AI infrastructure, ensure reliability and security, and guide technical direction while fostering engineer development. Lead innovative projects that e...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer, Plan Intelligence
$155K - $207K *
Lead the design and development of innovative software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications. Drive technical excellence and mentor engineers while...
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.