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 Sustaining Engineer - Hydraulics and Pneumatics
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation by leading the technical ownership of legacy fluid power and motion control products, driving design improvements and cross-functional collaboration to enhance performance and quali...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Drive innovation as a technical lead, guiding multiple teams in designing and developing robust software solutions using AngularJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, and Elasticsearch to enhance system performance and...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower software innovation as a technical lead, guiding multiple teams in designing and developing robust solutions using AngularJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, and Elasticsearch. Drive excellence in software p...
4 weeks ago
$134K - $223K *
Champion the design and implementation of scalable backend services in a collaborative environment, ensuring high-quality address data and enhanced user experiences through technical leadership and in...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $95K *
Lead maintenance operations and engineering systems for a residential community, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Drive team success through effective management, compliance, and exceptional s...
3 weeks ago
Sr Advanced Electrical Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation in electrical engineering by leading projects focused on EMC and EMI compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and implement advanced electrical systems...
2 weeks ago
Technical Project Engineer - New Product Development
$90K - $110K *
Transform customer needs into manufacturable products by leading engineering projects, ensuring quality and cost targets are met while collaborating across teams to deliver innovative solutions on tim...
4 weeks ago
Lead Sustaining Engineer - Hydraulics and Pneumatics
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead technical ownership and improvements for legacy fluid power and motion control products, driving design analysis and cross-functional collaboration to enhance performan...
1 week ago
Lead Sustaining Engineer - Hydraulics and Pneumatics
$100K - $120K *
Optimize legacy fluid power and motion control products by leading design analysis, enhancements, and cross-functional collaboration. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance...
1 week ago
$150K - $200K *
Transform your career by leading innovative software solutions, guiding AI-driven development, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the technical la...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Central Growth
$160K - $190K *
Elevate your career by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create innovative applications. Lead initiatives, mentor peers, and architect scalable systems while driving technical excellence an...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of defense systems by supporting engineering activities across the DoD acquisition lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and ensure mission...
Reposted 3 days ago
Vehicle Engineering Lead - Spacecraft Systems & Integration
$170K - $200K *
Lead the charge in spacecraft engineering, overseeing vehicle design, integration, and launch readiness. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure mission success while managing budgets, schedules, and...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Drive your career with innovative AI-driven automation solutions that enhance IT operations and user experience. Collaborate across teams to minimize manual tasks, improve efficiency, and implement in...
1 week ago
PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer
$90K - $140K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of industrial automation by developing and integrating advanced PLC and HMI software for cutting-edge machinery and control systems in dynamic environments...
Today
PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer
$90K - $140K *
Drive the development and integration of PLC and HMI software for automated machinery, ensuring seamless operation and commissioning of complex industrial control systems in diverse environments...
Today
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Join a team that's building scalable ML infrastructure to enhance reliability and efficiency. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll tackle complex challenges in job management and resource orchestrati...
Yesterday
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Software Engineer, driving the development of scalable ML infrastructure. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability and efficiency in complex systems, sh...
Yesterday
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Join a team that's redefining compute infrastructure for ML workloads. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll tackle complex challenges in Kubernetes and Ray, driving reliability and efficiency at scal...
Yesterday
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Deliver innovative backend solutions to enhance consumer-facing features, driving growth and user experience for millions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape product vision and optimize...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Champion advanced machine learning solutions to optimize rider pricing, driving revenue and ridership growth. Lead technical direction, enhance algorithms, and collaborate cross-functionally to impact...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative machine learning solutions that optimize rider pricing and drive revenue growth. Collaborate across teams to enhance algorithms and mentor junior members, imp...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced machine learning initiatives to optimize rider pricing, driving revenue growth and enhancing user experience across Uber's mobility services. Collaborate with cros...
1 week ago
Lead Software Engineer / DevSecOps Lead / Software Engineer II
$115K - $135K *
Transform the future of software engineering by leading DevSecOps initiatives, driving modernization, and mentoring teams to deliver secure, high-quality solutions in a dynamic government environment...
2 weeks ago
Senior Project Engineer - Transportation
$125K - $150K *
Advance your career by leading transportation projects, ensuring quality and efficiency while mentoring teams and managing client expectations. Drive success through technical expertise and effective...
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.