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.
Project Engineer - Land Development
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of land development by leading design efforts, providing technical expertise, and mentoring team members. Collaborate with clients and agencies to resolve engineering challenges while...
6 days ago
Project Engineer - Land Development
$90K - $135K *
Drive innovative land development projects by leading design tasks across various sectors, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with multidisciplinary tea...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Platform
$191K - $253K *
Join a dynamic engineering pipeline to develop high-availability systems that empower Anduril's corporate and manufacturing platforms. Collaborate cross-functionally to innovate and enhance enterprise...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $174K *
Join a team that's dedicated to leading complex commissioning projects while managing and mentoring technical professionals to ensure exceptional outcomes and foster business growth in the Oregon mark...
Reposted 5 days ago
$156K - $235K *
Shape the future of Smart TV applications by leading a talented team. Drive technical direction, optimize performance, and innovate features across diverse platforms, while ensuring seamless user expe...
Reposted 1 week ago
$198K - $272K *
Take ownership of the design and integration of RF and microwave electronics for aerospace and defense. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring high-reliabil...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing next-gen LED lighting technologies with proven expertise in mechanical design and manufacturing processes. Collaborate across teams to meet ambitious targets in performan...
Reposted 1 week ago
Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative firmware solutions for DC power systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and reliability while mentoring junior engineer...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $125K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative enterprise solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure, and maint...
1 week ago
$95K - $125K *
Transform enterprise solutions by driving design, development, and implementation. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate digital transformation while leading b...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Empower your career by leading mechanical engineering projects in biopharma. Collaborate with teams to design and implement filtration and chromatography systems, ensuring compliance with industry sta...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Pioneer innovative product designs and lead development initiatives from ideation to market launch. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance existing products and drive revenue growth through new pro...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $125K *
Drive innovative structural solutions by managing diverse projects, ensuring compliance with codes and standards. Collaborate globally with engineers and BIM modelers to deliver high-quality designs f...
1 month ago
$93K - $135K *
Shape the future of structural engineering by designing innovative building systems, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring excellence from concept to construction while mentoring junior staff...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the design of innovative structural systems for diverse building projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high-quality deliverables while managing p...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion innovative structural design solutions across diverse sectors, leading a team to deliver high-quality construction documents. Collaborate with architects and engineers to ensure integrated bu...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $144K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative structural designs for diverse building projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high-quality deliverables while m...
3 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer - Buildings
$107K - $159K *
Drive innovative electrical engineering solutions for diverse projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards while leading teams and mentoring junior engineers to achieve client objectives and...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance operational efficiency, drive product quality, and implement innovative manufacturing solutions while ensuring optimal resource utiliz...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $216K *
Tackle security challenges by leading hands-on efforts across infrastructure, incident response, and compliance. Shape policies while managing AI security, ensuring safety for global operations and dr...
Reposted today
$130K - $155K *
Transform critical infrastructure by leading a dynamic engineering team, guiding innovative product development from concept to delivery while enhancing existing systems in a fast-paced environment...
Yesterday
Lead Electrical Engineer - MW-Class Power Conversion
$180K - $260K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge power conversion systems for high-speed generators. Collaborate with technical founders to drive innovation from design to production, ensuring seamless inte...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - Workload Communications Domain Lead
$151K - $201K *
Empower engineering teams by optimizing data flow and communication patterns across distributed workloads. This hands-on role combines technical expertise with mentorship to enhance organizational cap...
3 weeks ago
$138K - $165K *
Lead AI initiatives by providing technical guidance, collaborating across teams, and driving the design and implementation of innovative AI solutions to meet business objectives and enhance project ou...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and development of embedded systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and security, ensuring robust solutions for vehicles and e...
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.