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.
Senior Software and Integrations Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by driving key projects across data engineering, AI, application development, and DevOps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and deliver innovative solutions while m...
Reposted today
Senior Software and Integrations Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your skills in software and integration to drive impactful solutions across data engineering, AI functionality, application development, and DevOps, ensuring quality and innovation in every pr...
Reposted today
Software Engineer II, Engineering
$125K - $145K *
Join our team to drive the development and operation of features that enhance educators' capabilities for managing English Learner programs, working full-stack from design through deployment and beyon...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by driving DevOps excellence, enhancing system reliability, and managing Kubernetes environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize CI/CD pipelines and ensure hig...
3 weeks ago
$146K - $219K *
Transform enterprise systems engineering by leading innovative design, integration, and analysis efforts for federal agencies. Drive modern methodologies and tools to enhance system performance and me...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Engineering, Core-backend
$215K - $260K *
Drive the technical direction and management of backend services, leading a team to enhance customer experience through shared services, onboarding, and notifications while collaborating across teams...
5 days ago
Lead Software Engineer, Backend
$145K - $165K *
Lead the technical direction of backend architecture while mentoring engineers and driving product success through hands-on contributions and strategic decision-making in a fast-paced environment...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer II, Engineering
$125K - $145K *
Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Electrical Engineer (On-site)
$160K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining mobile robotics by leading the hardware development of an autonomous platform. You'll oversee electrical architecture, safety certification, and team mentorship, driving...
6 days ago
Senior Staff Electrical Engineer (On-site)
$160K - $220K *
Unlock potential by leading the hardware development of an autonomous mobile base, guiding a team through design, testing, and safety certification to deliver innovative robotic solutions that drive e...
6 days ago
$95K - $178K *
Drive project excellence by leading cross-domain solution initiatives, ensuring effective contract execution and agile development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance military applica...
Today
$95K - $178K *
Lead the charge in project execution for Cross-Domain Solutions, ensuring high standards in planning and development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage multiple projects while driving...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the management and oversight of equipment maintenance and inventory, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations. Collaborate with project management to make informed deci...
Yesterday
Structural Engineer / Design Lead
$100K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading structural design efforts for public infrastructure projects. Manage design, ensure compliance, and supervise junior engineers while driving innovative solutions in a co...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Structural Engineer / Design Lead
$100K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative structural solutions for public infrastructure projects. Oversee and enhance engineering analyses while guiding junior staff to achieve high-quality compliance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Structural Engineer / Design Lead
$100K - $130K *
Invent the future of infrastructure by leading structural design projects. Drive technical excellence, mentor junior engineers, and oversee construction administration while ensuring compliance with i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$168K - $181K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative AWS cloud solutions for scoring capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and efficiency, while mentoring junior engi...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Champion innovative mechanical solutions by leading multidisciplinary teams through project phases, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction while driving business development for long-te...
Reposted 4 days ago
$145K - $175K *
Lead the charge in utility-scale project engineering for energy storage solutions. Oversee technical challenges from design through execution, ensuring successful deployment of innovative products whi...
Reposted today
Lead DevOps Software Engineer - Kubernetes & RF Systems
$125K - $150K *
Transform mission-critical communications systems through the design, deployment, and management of advanced technologies, ensuring high availability and security in a customer-facing environment...
Yesterday
Staff Engineer II, TSG Data Engineering
$135K - $162K *
Shape the future of enterprise applications by leading design and development efforts, collaborating with stakeholders, and mentoring engineers to deliver scalable solutions that enhance business oper...
3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer II, TSG Data Engineering
$155K - $186K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of enterprise-scale applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative technology solutions that enhance business operat...
3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer II, TSG Data Engineering
$148K - $178K *
Innovate enterprise-scale applications as a Staff Engineer II, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and support scalable technology solutions that enhance business operations...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $102K *
Lead the charge in managing bridge and structural projects, overseeing design from inception to completion. Collaborate with teams, prepare budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations while delive...
Today
$86K - $119K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative packaging projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive engineering solutions that enhance efficiency and safety in the food an...
1 week 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.