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.
Lead HVAC Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$100K - $120K *
Empower a dynamic team by designing innovative HVAC systems for diverse facilities. Collaborate on projects, conduct detailed engineering studies, and ensure compliance with industry standards while e...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion the evolution of a cutting-edge design system, bridging Figma and production code. Take ownership of component design and implementation, ensuring seamless integration and scalability while s...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Take ownership of the design system by managing Figma components and production code, ensuring seamless integration between design and engineering while evolving the system for future AI capabilities...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by bridging design and engineering in our innovative design system. Take ownership of the Figma library and core components, ensuring seamless integration and scalability while shapin...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Protection and Controls
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of power systems by managing protection design and coordination analyses for transmission systems, ensuring safety and reliability while guiding a skilled team in...
2 days ago
$107K - $204K *
Join a dynamic team as a Radar Cross Section Engineer, focusing on testing, analysis, and signature-reduction for advanced aerospace systems. Leverage your expertise in RCS chamber operations and rada...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $175K *
Design and develop advanced electronics for space and tactical applications. Lead hardware projects from concept through verification, utilizing strong analog and digital skills to solve complex engin...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead project teams to deliver innovative engineering solutions, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery standards are met. Drive project success through effective management, mentorship, and communicatio...
Yesterday
Senior Heavy Lift and Transportation Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in structural lift design, equipment selection, and technical guidance, mentoring junior staff while overseeing complex rigging projects to ensure safety and efficiency in construction...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Engage in technical leadership to drive architectural excellence and engineering quality across onboarding and custodial platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility and ad...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate technical architecture and design decisions across eApp platforms, ensuring sound engineering quality and feasibility. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create Enabler Epics that supp...
4 days ago
$72K - $107K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on geotechnical engineering for diverse underground projects, including tunnels and water infrastructure. Collaborate on complex assignments while enhancin...
1 week ago
Technical Lead - Teamcenter (PLM)
$120K - $145K *
Champion the design and implementation of Siemens Teamcenter X, driving integrated lifecycle management for the process industry while ensuring system stability, interoperability, and scalability thro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$173K - $238K *
Engineer cutting-edge FPGA solutions for advanced Radar and EW systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, test, and implement complex algorithms, ensuring high performance and reliab...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $135K *
Lead the development of a robust AI platform, enabling engineers to create and operate AI agents. Modernize the AI stack, automate workflows, and mentor teams to elevate AI capabilities across the org...
6 days ago
Senior Engineer - Reload/Core Design
$110K - $130K *
Optimize reactor-core fuel reload design projects by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and delivering technically sound solutions that enhance plant safety...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer - Reload/Core Design
$110K - $130K *
Empower the future of nuclear energy by leading reactor-core fuel reload design projects. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations while managing...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer - Reload/Core Design
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your engineering career by leading nuclear fuel reload design projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure safe, efficient reactor-core operations while managing project performance and...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer - Reload/Core Design
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient reactor-core fuel reload designs. This role involves leading cross-functional projects, coordinating engineering efforts, and ensuring compl...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage in leading safety initiatives and audits while designing complex mechanical systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with specifications and enhance product development through inno...
2 weeks ago
Senior Program / Change Management Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Unlock organizational potential by leading change management initiatives. Ensure effective implementation, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration to drive alignment, efficiency, and adoptio...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $167K *
Optimize pursuit strategies by leading multidisciplinary teams to secure wins across Texas and the South Central and Midwest regions, focusing on TxDOT projects and enhancing proposal development proc...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of industrial control systems. Leverage your expertise in design and implementation while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across diverse sectors to del...
3 weeks ago
Senior / Principal Forward Deployed Engineer, Applications (CFD)
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading complex CFD analyses and engineering solutions, collaborating with customers and cross-functional teams to drive innovative simulation strategies and enhance engineering wo...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Transform data ecosystems by leading the design and implementation of scalable platforms and AI-driven solutions. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and mentor engineers, ensuring alignment...
Today
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.