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 Structural Engineer -- Energy & Industrial Group
$118K - $180K *
Shape the future of structural engineering by leading design efforts for power plants and industrial facilities. Utilize your expertise in materials and analysis to deliver innovative solutions while...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovation by leading mechanical engineering projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring code compliance for commercial and institutional buildings. Foster client relationships...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering innovative mechanical solutions for diverse projects, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction while managing schedules and budgets effectively...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate customer satisfaction by providing technical support and engineering solutions. Collaborate across functions to drive continuous improvement and ensure safe, efficient operations while address...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Agentic AI
$150K - $180K *
Empower innovation by architecting next-gen AI-driven CRM solutions. Lead a dynamic team to optimize data processing, enhance automation, and deliver exceptional user experiences while driving market...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative infrastructure solutions by leading multi-disciplinary projects, enhancing market presence in the Southeast. Drive technical excellence in civil engineering, ensuring quality and e...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $210K *
Lead and empower a dynamic engineering team to architect and build innovative backend services for booking and finance products, ensuring security and compliance while mentoring engineers and collabor...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Application Software
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering teams to develop scalable software solutions. Collaborate with leadership to shape strategies, oversee API integrations, and drive innovation in a dynamic envir...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality design-build projects. As a Senior Project Engineer, you'll oversee project execution, mentor junior staff, and ensure timely completion from de...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Champion the execution of design-build projects, ensuring quality delivery from design through completion. Lead timelines, manage subcontractors, and mentor junior staff while overseeing project logis...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate project success as a Senior Project Engineer, overseeing design-build projects from inception to completion. You will support, mentor, and lead initiatives to ensure quality execution while...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$180K - $210K *
Drive high-impact substation projects as a Lead Electrical Engineer, overseeing design, technical reviews, and mentoring. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful project execution from con...
6 days ago
Lead Engineer - Target.com Web Enablement
$132K - $238K *
Drive innovation as a Lead Engineer, shaping scalable digital platforms and tools. Collaborate with teams to enhance reliability and efficiency, while guiding architectural strategies and best practic...
3 weeks ago
$170K - $250K *
Elevate your career by leading key initiatives, architecting scalable services, and designing data-intensive applications in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive inn...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team of engineers to develop innovative software solutions across diverse technologies, enhancing systems for data processing, AI, and real-time analytics while fostering collaboration...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of technology by developing scalable Python microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design secure, reliable systems while leveraging tools like...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in certification and compliance efforts, ensuring regulatory adherence for new and existing models. Collaborate with teams to standardize processes and represent the organization at in...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative electrical design and integration for advanced testing systems. Lead projects, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with industry standards while delivering high-quality solutio...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Project Development
$130K - $160K *
Shape the future of project development in the oil & gas sector by leading strategic initiatives, managing multidisciplinary teams, and driving operational excellence to enhance growth and performance...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $237K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative cloud-native platforms, driving automation and scalability while mentoring a team of engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance software delivery and ensur...
5 days ago
$103K - $181K *
Lead project engineering efforts by integrating technical, budget, and scheduling aspects to ensure successful project execution. Collaborate with teams to maintain quality standards and meet client r...
1 week ago
$103K - $181K *
Champion project success by integrating engineering, budget, and scheduling aspects for medium-sized projects. Oversee technical excellence, manage resources, and ensure compliance with client criteri...
1 week ago
$103K - $181K *
Lead the integration of engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects. Ensure technical excellence, manage procurement, and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to meet client criteria a...
1 week ago
$103K - $181K *
Lead the integration of engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with standards while managing resources and timelines effectively...
1 week ago
$103K - $181K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of engineering by integrating project elements, ensuring technical excellence, and driving successful outcomes in a dynamic environment. Your expertise will be ke...
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.