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.
$75K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering excellence in construction project management. Support project administration, oversee trades, and ensure timely documentation while collaborating with a dyn...
Yesterday
$139K - $174K *
Join a dynamic team to develop innovative microelectronics processes, focusing on laser welding, hermetic testing, and quality assurance. Collaborate with engineers to enhance manufacturability while...
1 week ago
$125K - $140K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading innovative projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver exceptional electrical design solutions while...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $140K *
Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize project execution by leading electrical design for diverse markets. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to resolve design challenges and maintain high-quality standards whil...
Reposted yesterday
Production Engineer, Network AI Lead
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of global networking by designing and operating scalable solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges in data center and AI networks, ensuring maxim...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate game development by leading C# mechanics and systems, mentoring engineers, and ensuring high-quality standards. Drive technical direction and collaborate across teams to deliver engaging gami...
2 weeks ago
Civil/Structural Engineer - Work Group Lead
$120K - $145K *
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary civil/structural engineering team, overseeing complex industrial projects. Drive engineering excellence, mentor professionals, and ensure alignment between design...
6 days ago
Principal Software Engineer - Marketing Technology
$140K - $176K *
Engineer innovative solutions as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and technical excellence for a global web platform while enhancing digital customer experiences through advanced AI integr...
6 days ago
$116K - $193K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing serverless AWS architectures, managing CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring security and operational controls for cloud environments, while collaborating with te...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead engineering teams to develop, integrate, and optimize systems, ensuring mission success through innovative technical solutions while utilizing Agile methodologies and continuous improvement pract...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Optimize infrastructure and enhance reliability by leading a hands-on DevOps team. Collaborate with engineering to deploy scalable AWS systems, drive automation, and integrate AI capabilities while en...
2 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer - Low Voltage, Advanced Concepts
$150K - $180K *
Lead the design and certification of low voltage electrical systems for advanced aircraft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage suppliers, and oversee engineering deliverables to revolution...
2 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer - Low Voltage, Advanced Concepts
$150K - $180K *
Lead the design and certification of low voltage electrical systems for advanced aircraft, overseeing integration and collaboration across teams to revolutionize electric aviation and ensure complianc...
2 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer - Low Voltage, Advanced Concepts
$150K - $180K *
Innovate electrical systems for advanced aircraft by leading design, integration, and certification of low voltage systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive proje...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, EPC Services
$110K - $130K *
Optimize engineering execution and internal capabilities for EPC projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements, quality standards, and financial objectives. Lead a high-performing team while m...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $200K *
Join a team that's pioneering the development of a cloud-based platform for advanced materials. Collaborate across disciplines to design innovative solutions while leading engineering efforts and shap...
6 days ago
Lead Electrical Engineer (ACS)
$102K - $182K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative electrical designs for diverse energy projects, ensuring compliance and quality across utility, industrial, and commercial sectors while mentoring junior engin...
3 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer (ACS)
$102K - $182K *
Shape the future of energy by leading electrical design for innovative projects. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality solutions in electrification and decarbonization, ensuring compliance an...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in executing integrated design projects, guiding a multi-disciplinary team to meet client objectives while ensuring quality, budget, and schedule alignment across diverse industries...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate user experiences by designing and building intuitive mortgage software. Collaborate closely with teams to create a seamless design system, ensuring clarity and accessibility while transformin...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Build impactful product experiences by designing and coding from scratch. Own the design system, create user-friendly components, and simplify complex workflows in a regulated market. Collaborate clos...
6 days ago
$124K - $159K *
Accelerate your career by leading mechanical engineering design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and driving innovation in mechanical systems. Utilize your expertise to ensure pro...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading electrical engineering efforts for facility construction, installation, and commissioning. Drive compliance, oversee power distribution, and ensure safe operations while co...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive electrical engineering excellence by leading facility construction, installation, and commissioning efforts. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, troubleshoot issues, and establish robus...
2 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.