Explore Lead Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Lead Engineer Do?

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.

Qualifications for Lead Engineer Roles

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.

Lead Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Lead Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$95K - $115K *

Advance your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading diverse projects across multiple markets. Collaborate with teams to design innovative solutions, manage project schedules, and mentor junio...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading diverse projects across multiple markets. Collaborate with teams to design innovative solutions, manage budgets, and mentor staff while ens...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$105K - $135K *

Advance your career by leading innovative land development projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design and deliver impactful solutions while shaping the future of our growing presence in the c...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$112K - $155K *

Lead and mentor engineering teams in developing hydraulic actuation devices for aerospace applications. Drive project objectives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and deliver innovative soluti...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Grow your career with us by collaborating in a dynamic team environment to successfully deliver projects on time and budget, while enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency across all project phases...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Engage as a Project Engineer in Electrical to ensure construction adheres to design standards. Collaborate with teams to solve field issues, lead technical evaluations, and manage project deliverables...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining software development by rapidly transforming ideas into innovative products. Collaborate closely in a dynamic environment, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and creativ...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Innovate engineering designs and construction management for heavy industrial projects. Collaborate with project teams to ensure compliance with codes and deliver solutions that enhance system reliabi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$105K - $135K *

Transform the landscape by leading innovative land development projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, analyze, and implement comprehensive site solutions while advancing your professiona...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $130K *

Elevate transportation infrastructure by leading highway design projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with standards and client requirements throughout New York State...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Transform the future of transportation by leading highway design projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with standards and client needs. Drive project success from pla...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of transportation infrastructure by leading highway design projects, coordinating multidisciplinary efforts, and mentoring junior engineers to deliver high-qualit...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Drive impactful transportation projects by leading highway design efforts, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior engineers to deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions that me...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$50K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading technical aspects of projects, coordinating with clients and teams to ensure quality and efficiency. Drive project success through planning, scheduling, and resource manage...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$180K - $220K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge space-based networking solutions. Drive full-lifecycle projects, collaborate across disciplines, and ensure compliance with network standards while mentoring...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $215K *

Join our team as a Systems Engineer to drive systems development across the INCOSE lifecycle, providing essential programmatic support for high-profile customer programs and collaborating with stakeho...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$205K - $381K *

Optimize interdisciplinary design and integration of complex aerospace systems. Serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring sound solutions and schedules while balancing technical needs with business c...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Champion the technical execution of UCS Re-architecture IR&D, managing cost, schedule, and performance while aligning investments with strategic goals. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead aerospace projects from inception to delivery, ensuring technical excellence and accountability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet milestones and deliver quality outcomes...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Innovate within the AI Platform team by designing and operating core components for AI-driven solutions, focusing on model serving, agentic infrastructure, or observability. Collaborate across teams t...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $165K *

Join a team that's building AI-driven platforms to enhance code optimization and experimentation. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll design and operate critical components, ensuring robust performa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Drive innovation in electrical design across diverse sectors, overseeing projects from concept to execution. Engage with clients, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with safety standards w...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing complex electrical systems for DoD projects. Collaborate with clients and manage project scopes while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$272K - $355K *

Pioneer innovative AI solutions by leading a dynamic engineering team to build scalable platforms. Collaborate across functions to enhance product capabilities and ensure reliability in LLM-powered sy...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$80K - $100K *

Pioneer effective project execution by coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring alignment with project plans and quality standards. Drive timely issue resolution and maintain essential comm...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Lead Engineer?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Lead Engineer listings on Ladders, review each role’s compensation and requirements, and highlight relevant technical achievements and leadership experience in your application.