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.
$166K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative rare earth metal production processes, overseeing engineering, reactor design, and the commissioning of a commercial facility while driving team collaboration...
5 days ago
$100K - $247K *
Lead the charge in transforming aerospace vehicle structures through innovative engineering. Drive advanced product development and technical strategy across multiple programs while mentoring a team o...
1 week ago
Senior Project Engineer - Civil/Site
$95K - $115K *
Transform your career by leading innovative land development projects. Leverage your expertise in civil engineering to design effective stormwater systems and collaborate with clients to achieve their...
1 week ago
Principal Backend Engineer, Enterpise Platform
$255K - $295K *
Lead the technical direction for foundational services, guiding architecture and execution across teams to enhance platform capabilities for customer and partner experiences. Mentor engineers and infl...
Yesterday
Staff Engineer, Product Software
$146K - $218K *
Pioneer innovative solutions in high-scale distributed systems, driving the design and execution of global telemetry infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure technical excellence and optimize...
Today
Principal Engineer, Space Special Projects
$260K - $345K *
Lead the development of advanced spacecraft systems, driving innovation in dynamic space operations and ensuring mission success through technical oversight and strategic partnerships across multi-dis...
1 week ago
$87K - $146K *
Engineer innovative civil/environmental projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Lead permitting and design efforts, utilizing your expertise in environmental regulations and project...
Reposted 4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential in a pivotal role supporting cutting-edge DoD programs. Collaborate with experts to enhance microelectronics security, assess vulnerabilities, and drive innovation in anti-tamper...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion advanced anti-tamper technologies by assessing microelectronics and collaborating with military labs to enhance weapon systems' security against exploitation, ensuring the protection of U.S...
1 week ago
$87K - $146K *
Explore your career potential as you drive civil and environmental engineering projects, collaborating with a diverse team to deliver impactful design solutions and navigate permitting processes acros...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Transform the future of environmental engineering by leading diverse projects in civil design and permitting. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage and deliver effective solutions for sit...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Advance your career by supporting diverse civil and environmental projects. Collaborate across teams to deliver engineering designs and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations while mento...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Lead the charge in civil/environmental engineering projects, collaborating with experts to develop designs supporting diverse sectors. Manage permitting processes, conduct fieldwork, and mentor junior...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of civil and environmental engineering through innovative project design and development. Collaborate across sectors to implement solutions in site development, r...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Unlock potential by leading projects in civil/environmental engineering, collaborating with diverse teams to design and permit impactful projects across energy, industrial, and transportation sectors...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering impactful civil and environmental engineering solutions. Collaborate across disciplines to tackle diverse projects involving design, permitting, and environm...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Join the team to take ownership of civil and environmental projects, collaborating with experts to deliver high-quality engineering designs and ensure compliance with permitting requirements in variou...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop civil and environmental designs for projects in energy, transportation, and industrial sectors while adhering to permitting requirements and ensurin...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Optimize project delivery and environmental compliance by leading civil and environmental engineering efforts. Collaborate across teams on diverse projects, ensuring designs meet regulatory standards...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $146K *
Join a team that's dedicated to civil and environmental engineering, collaborating on innovative projects that shape the future of energy, industrial, and transportation sectors while ensuring complia...
Reposted 4 days ago
$87K - $131K *
Unlock potential by leading diverse environmental and geotechnical projects. Collaborate with experts to drive innovative solutions in mining, ensuring compliance and technical excellence while mentor...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our dynamic team as we tackle innovative engineering challenges in power generation. This role offers the opportunity to lead projects, mentor engineers, and contribute to groundbreaking technolo...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead electrical design initiatives across diverse building projects, providing technical expertise and mentorship. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions while ensuri...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - Mission Critical
$108K - $130K *
Innovate electrical systems for mission-critical facilities, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Lead design processes, collaborate with teams, and mentor junior engineers while staying ahead of indu...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Empower production excellence by overseeing assembly and testing of innovative CNC machines. Collaborate closely with technicians and customers to enhance quality, streamline processes, and ensure suc...
2 days 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.