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.
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering, overseeing a skilled team to ensure project success through quality, budget, and scheduling management while driving innovative solutions across multidiscipl...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$103K - $138K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...
1 week ago
$108K - $145K *
Analyze complex engineering challenges to enhance network performance and design innovative solutions. Lead integration and testing efforts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support m...
2 weeks ago
$156K - $235K *
Transform the future of Android development by leading innovative engineering efforts, leveraging AI solutions while ensuring top-notch application performance and quality. Collaborate with teams to d...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform project execution by leveraging your engineering expertise to oversee major capital construction initiatives, ensuring technical quality and compliance throughout all phases from planning to...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the technical quality and execution of major capital construction projects, providing oversight and support throughout all phases, including planning, design...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation in high-tech product development, leading cross-functional teams to enhance energy efficiency and performance. Oversee projects from business case to commercialization, ensuring align...
3 weeks ago
$96K - $166K *
Optimize data center operations by ensuring peak efficiency of electrical, mechanical, and safety systems. Collaborate with teams to maintain critical infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and implemen...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $144K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...
3 weeks ago
Head of Engineering, Core Application
$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in transforming scientific workflows through AI-driven product engineering. Oversee a high-performing team to develop a core product that integrates seamlessly with advanced AI capabil...
Today
Senior Engineering Manager, Platform
$160K - $190K *
Pioneer a high-performing platform engineering team, driving innovation in core services and developer tooling. Collaborate across functions to enhance product velocity and reliability, shaping the fu...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Platform
$150K - $180K *
Lead and grow a high-performing platform engineering team, setting vision and roadmap while collaborating with cross-functional leaders to enhance product velocity and reliability for enterprise custo...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in the AEC industry. As a key member of our VDC group, you'll support design-build projects through advanced BIM technologies, ensuring efficiency and collaborati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in Virtual Design and Construction, collaborating with teams to optimize project delivery through innovative BIM applications, 3D coordination, and technical support for successful des...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Power Delivery Engineering Team Lead
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative electric utility projects while supervising a dynamic team of engineers. Drive quality, foster collaboration, and enhance client relationships to ensure succes...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by designing and testing advanced RF and microwave systems. Collaborate with a team to innovate and enhance product performance while mentoring junior engineers in a dynamic engineeri...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in technical project execution, ensuring engineering excellence and client satisfaction while managing budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary coordination with minimal supervision...
2 days ago
Lead Process Mechanical Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative process engineering solutions for complex industrial projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and efficient designs that meet client operational goals while...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of AI by building innovative solutions for robotics, AV, and healthcare. Drive end-to-end product development, collaborating with customers to solve complex challenges in data annotat...
1 month ago
Staff Software Engineer, Java Backend
$120K - $170K *
Lead engineering efforts by writing production code and mentoring a team. Drive modernization initiatives through Java microservices while managing performance and growth of engineers. Collaborate wit...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Manage and oversee electrical design projects, ensuring compliance and innovation from inception to completion while leading cross-functional teams and enhancing client relationships...
2 days ago
$122K - $190K *
Shape the future of transportation infrastructure by leading electrical design projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with codes while makin...
6 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in managing Power Generation Projects from initiation to commissioning, ensuring stakeholder alignment, budget management, and technical support to optimize customer satisfaction and p...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $102K *
Transform project execution in Power Generation by leading initiatives from inception to commissioning, ensuring stakeholder alignment, managing budgets, and delivering technical support to enhance cu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Design & Modeling - Harness
$125K - $150K *
Pioneer innovative electrical harness designs for aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance while providing technical leadership throughout...
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.