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.
Principal Engineer (Tech Lead)
$122K - $215K *
Unlock potential by providing expert technical leadership and innovative solutions in engineering. Drive complex projects with significant impact, collaborating across teams to enhance product develop...
5 days ago
$272K - $355K *
Transform backend engineering at a leading tech firm. Lead a team to build robust frameworks and libraries, enhancing product reliability and developer experience while tackling complex systems challe...
2 weeks ago
$272K - $355K *
Transform backend engineering by leading a team to build robust frameworks and libraries. Drive architectural improvements, enhance developer productivity, and ensure reliability while fostering a cul...
2 weeks ago
Lead Project Engineer - Aerospace
$112K - $155K *
Lead innovative product development in aerospace, focusing on hydraulic actuation systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and implement solutions that meet industry standa...
3 weeks ago
Lead Project Engineer - Aerospace
$112K - $155K *
Accelerate your career by leading innovative aerospace projects, collaborating with global teams to design and optimize hydraulic actuation devices, and driving product development from concept to imp...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the adoption of DevOps practices and cloud solutions, driving automation and efficiency across the project lifecycle. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational standards and deliv...
Today
$112K - $135K *
Innovate and lead the adoption of DevOps practices, enhancing cloud-native solutions and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate across teams to streamline application onboarding and operational efficiency, ensu...
Today
$89K - $134K *
Unlock your potential by leading cross-functional engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive new product development and enhance cust...
3 weeks ago
$122K - $187K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of high-performance software applications. Collaborate in an Agile environment to create scalable systems, ensuring mission-critical operations m...
3 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer - Austin
$100K - $120K *
Partner with us to lead innovative electrical engineering projects in K12 and healthcare design. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure exceptional project delivery and mentor junior engineers whil...
1 week ago
$149K - $175K *
Lead the development and delivery of electrical engineering solutions, ensuring safety and practicality across project lifecycles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve high-quality outc...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize electrical designs and support construction projects across various sectors. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with codes and standards while delivering innovative solutions for ind...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Contribute to innovative electrical control panel designs for industrial applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, enhance efficiency, and deliver high-quality soluti...
1 week ago
$95K - $110K *
Drive project success by managing engineering initiatives from kickoff to delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, budget, and timelines are met while maintaining strong co...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of edge software by leading design, coding, and release processes. You'll ensure robust integration and fault management while mentoring engineers to elevate thei...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate network engineering capabilities by providing comprehensive support across the lifecycle of tactical network systems, ensuring secure information exchange and compliance within multidisciplina...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive the successful execution of Flight Controls programs, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule objectives are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers while leading complex proje...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Oversee medium complexity projects, leveraging technical expertise and leadership skills to drive successful program milestones and continuous improvement while managing risks and collaborating with c...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading complex engineering initiatives that span multiple teams. Shape the future of distributed systems while mentoring senior engineers and driving architectural excellence i...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Leader - Materials Technology
$128K - $178K *
Lead the charge in advancing materials technology services, managing a skilled team to deliver innovative engineering solutions, foster client relationships, and drive sustainable growth in a collabor...
2 weeks ago
Principal Staff Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure
$231K - $378K *
Pioneer database performance optimization across online and offline systems, enhancing query execution and storage efficiency. Lead technical direction and collaborate with teams to drive impactful im...
Yesterday
Lead Software Engineer - Apple
$156K - $235K *
Explore innovative solutions as a lead engineer, enhancing personalized streaming experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable applications and evaluate cutting-edge techno...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage with customers to design and build intuitive marketing automation features. Own product experiences from concept to execution, ensuring exceptional design and seamless integration within a comp...
1 week ago
Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Space
$147K - $196K *
Drive excellence in manufacturing as a technical leader, overseeing complex spacecraft hardware production. Lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality standards throughout...
1 week ago
Lead Guidewire Software Engineer
$82K - $217K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and implementation of Guidewire solutions for Property and Casualty insurance. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure applications while...
2 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.