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.
$180K - $230K *
Elevate structural engineering excellence by leading teams in transportation projects, ensuring innovative design and delivery while fostering collaboration and client relationships across diverse inf...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Drive structural engineering excellence by leading design teams on transportation projects. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring project deadlines and client s...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Drive innovative structural design solutions for transportation projects, leading engineering teams to deliver high-quality results while fostering collaboration and maintaining strong client relation...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Innovate structural design solutions for transportation projects, leading teams in delivering high-quality engineering services. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure project success while fosterin...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead structural engineering teams in transportation projects, ensuring effective collaboration and project delivery. Drive design, analysis, and reporting while fostering positive relationships with c...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead structural engineering teams to design and deliver innovative transportation projects. Collaborate across disciplines, ensuring quality and timely execution while fostering strong client relation...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Champion innovative design solutions in transportation structures, leading engineering teams on diverse projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful project delivery while fostering s...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering for transportation projects, guiding teams in design and analysis while ensuring collaboration and project success across various infrastructure initiatives...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead structural engineering teams in transportation projects, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery. Drive design, analysis, and project management while fostering positive client relationship...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Drive structural engineering excellence by leading teams on transportation projects, ensuring effective collaboration and timely delivery while fostering professional growth and maintaining strong cli...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Elevate your career by leading structural engineering teams on diverse transportation projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to deliver innovative designs while fostering strong client r...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead structural engineering teams in transportation projects, ensuring effective design and analysis while fostering collaboration and maintaining client relationships. Drive project success through i...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering for transportation projects, overseeing design teams and ensuring project delivery. Collaborate across disciplines to achieve client goals while fostering a p...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape your career by leading engineering teams in hybrid cloud architecture and DevSecOps. Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance in complex federal environments while fostering collaborat...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead engineering initiatives in hybrid cloud architecture and data center operations. Drive continuous improvement and compliance in federal environments while managing high-performing teams and techn...
2 weeks ago
$220K - $250K *
Lead the design and development of advanced military electrical systems. Collaborate across teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards while driving high-impact...
4 weeks ago
Integration Engineer, Firmware
$125K - $160K *
Champion the integration of software and firmware in UAVs, driving cross-functional collaboration and technical milestones. Leverage your engineering expertise to ensure seamless delivery and validati...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $170K *
Design and implement complex front-end ASIC solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration, validation, and tape-outs while driving innovation in digital logic d...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's passionate about building innovative marketing solutions. You'll own product features end-to-end, collaborating closely with customers to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences...
1 week ago
$140K - $215K *
Drive innovative project execution across multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced in-space propulsion systems, ensuring alignment with technical objectives, cost, and schedules in a dynamic, fast...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $215K *
Innovate by leading cross-functional teams to drive technical execution in the development of advanced in-space propulsion systems. Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and program management...
Reposted 1 week ago
$160K - $190K *
Transform the future of AI-driven product development by setting technical direction, tackling complex challenges, and designing effective coding workflows. Collaborate with a talented team to shape i...
3 weeks ago
$129K - $161K *
Lead the charge in establishing and expanding a Southern California land development practice, focusing on client engagement, strategic growth, and building a high-performing team to drive long-term s...
Reposted 1 week ago
$129K - $161K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on land development, client engagement, and strategic market expansion. Lead project pursuits and build a high-performing local team to drive success in So...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving excellence in construction engineering and inspection. Lead high-performing teams, optimize project outcomes, and build lasting client relationships while making a significa...
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.