1

Lead Applications Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Applications Developer must have experience with PeopleSoft applications, including a strong ... This person may lead major projects and is responsible for all aspects of project administration ...

Lead Applications Development

Plano, TX · On-site

$143K - $215K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Application Developer to serve as a critical liaison between Business ... Our Lead Applications Development, earns between $143,800-$215,800 USD Annual, Not to mention all ...

We are seeking aLeadApplication Developer to serve as a critical liaison between Business, Network ... Our Lead Applications Development, earns between$143,800-$215,800 USD Annual, Not to mention all ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Applications Developer information

See salary details

$35

$62

$84

How much do lead applications developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead applications developer in the United States is $62.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.24 and $71.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Lead Applications Developer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership responsibilities?

As a Lead Applications Developer, you'll often split your time between writing and reviewing code, mentoring team members, and overseeing project progress. While you remain technically involved to ensure quality and best practices, your role also involves coordinating with stakeholders, managing timelines, and facilitating collaboration between developers, QA, and product teams. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate effectively, ensuring both project delivery and team development.

What is the difference between Lead Applications Developer vs Applications Developer?

AspectLead Applications DeveloperApplications Developer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; often some leadership experienceBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads development teams, collaborates with stakeholders, oversees project executionDevelops, tests, and maintains software applications under supervision
Industry UsageUsed across industries for senior development roles with leadership responsibilitiesCommon entry to mid-level role in software development

The main difference between a Lead Applications Developer and an Applications Developer is that the lead role involves overseeing development teams and managing project execution, while the applications developer focuses on coding and implementing software solutions. The lead position requires additional leadership skills and experience but shares similar technical credentials with the applications developer.

What does a Lead Applications Developer do?

A Lead Applications Developer oversees the design, development, and implementation of software applications within an organization. They lead a team of developers, coordinate project timelines, and ensure that software solutions meet business requirements and quality standards. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with stakeholders, mentoring junior developers, and staying updated on emerging technologies to recommend improvements. This role requires both technical expertise and leadership skills to manage complex projects effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Applications Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Applications Developer, you need expertise in software development, system architecture, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Java, C#, or Python), frameworks, version control systems, and experience with Agile methodologies are crucial, and certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate are often valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality applications and successful management of development teams and projects.
More about Lead Applications Developer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Applications Developer jobs? The top employers for Lead Applications Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Applications Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Applications Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Applications Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Applications Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Applications Developer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,402 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Lead Applications Engineer (Semiconductor Machinery)

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

LEAD APPLICATIONS ENGINEER (SEMICONDUCTOR MACHINERY)
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
Freeform is hiring a Lead Applications Engineer to serve as the primary technical interface between Freeform and a portfolio of our semiconductor customers. This person will apply their technical background and intimate understanding of semiconductor fabrication systems and equipment to translate real engineering problems into manufacturable solutions that only Freeform's technology can unlock. You will own the technical relationship with customers, guide them through application discovery and feasibility, and help shape how Freeform's manufacturing platform is deployed across some of the most ambitious programs in the industry.
The ideal candidate comes from a strong engineering background, understands complex semiconductor systems, and is comfortable engaging directly with senior engineers and decision makers at highly sophisticated and cutting-edge organizations. This person should be comfortable leading deep technical discussions across performance, manufacturability, materials, qualification, and production tradeoffs, and translating those conversations into a broader, programmatic vision that helps customers understand how Freeform's technology can unlock entirely new design and production possibilities.
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for a portfolio of strategic semiconductor equipment customers
  • Lead deep technical discussions with customer engineering teams across applications such as:
    • Wafer handling, robotic end-effectors, and vacuum-compatible armatures
    • Thermal management hardware and high-precision cold plates
    • Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers and internal components
    • Gas delivery manifolds and high-purity fluid systems
    • Lithography tool structural components and precision optics mounts
    • Pedestals and showerhead assemblies for deposition tools
  • Develop a deep understanding of customer system requirements, constraints, and performance drivers
  • Translate customer needs into manufacturable solutions using Freeform's technology, including geometry, materials, tolerances, and production considerations
  • Clearly articulate what Freeform's manufacturing platform can and cannot deliver, including tradeoffs and constraints
  • Independently answer advanced technical questions related to materials, processes, qualification pathways, and production scalability
  • Identify where Freeform's technology enables new designs, architectures, or performance regimes that were previously impractical or impossible
  • Work closely with internal engineering and operations teams to align on feasibility, execution, and roadmap - but without depending on them for basic technical credibility
  • Guide customers through early application exploration, development phases, and transition into production
  • Build long-term, trust-based technical relationships with customer engineers, program managers, and technical leadership
  • Provide feedback from the field to influence Freeform's product, process, and roadmap decisions

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in an engineering, program management, or leadership role within the semiconductor equipment/fabrication industry
  • Strong systems-level understanding of complex mechanical hardware and how components function within larger assemblies

Nice to Have:
  • Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role such as applications engineering, systems engineering, or field engineering
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
  • Familiarity with metal manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, casting, forging, or advanced machining
  • Experience supporting hardware through development, qualification, and production ramp
  • Strong intuition for design-for-manufacturing and production scalability
  • Strategic thinker with a strong business acumen
  • Team player, positive attitude, growth mindset, integrity, accountability, adaptability, entrepreneurial, driven, results-oriented and ethical

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $120,000-$185,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.