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Lead Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Design Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$109K - $138K/yr

What You'll Do as the Lead Design Engineer: * Lead the design and development of new commercial products from concept through production * Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering ...

What You'll Do as the Lead Design Engineer: * Lead the design and development of new commercial products from concept through production * Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering ...

Lead Design Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$109K - $138K/yr

What You'll Do as the Lead Design Engineer: * Lead the design and development of new commercial products from concept through production * Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering ...

Lead Design Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

The requirements below reflect the Lead Design Engineer level. Who YOU are and what YOU can become At ST Engineering MRAS, we design and build Nacelles for commercial aircraft applications. Our ...

Lead Design Engineer

Austin, TX

$101K - $133K/yr

The Fathom5 Lead Design Engineer will: * Assist senior engineers with CAD modeling, product prototyping, and testing * Design, Procure, and/or print machine components including prime movers ...

Position Overview The Lead Design Engineer serves as the technical leader for the Design Engineering team, driving the development and integration of modular power infrastructure and mission critical ...

Lead Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

The Fathom5 Lead Design Engineer will: * Assist senior engineers with CAD modeling, product prototyping, and testing * Design, Procure, and/or print machine components including prime movers ...

Lead Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

The Fathom5 Lead Design Engineer will: * Assist senior engineers with CAD modeling, product prototyping, and testing * Design, Procure, and/or print machine components including prime movers ...

The requirements below reflect the Lead Design Engineer level. Who YOU are and what YOU can become At ST Engineering MRAS, we design and build Nacelles for commercial aircraft applications. Our ...

Lead Design Engineer

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

VIP Staffing is immediately hiring a Lead Design Engineer for a leading organization in Rio Rancho, NM This is a Full Time Direct Hire position with a schedule of Monday-Thursday 6:30am - 4pm and ...

Lead Design Engineer

$104K - $138K/yr

The Lead Design Engineer provides advanced technical leadership and oversight for the design, documentation, and implementation of complex building automation and control systems for commercial ...

Lead Design Engineer

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

VIP Staffing is immediately hiring a Lead Design Engineer for a leading organization in Rio Rancho, NM This is a Full Time Direct Hire position with a schedule of Monday-Thursday 6:30am - 4pm and ...

Lead Design Engineer

Duluth, GA · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

We are currently hiring for a Lead Design Engineer - PAS-X MES position with our client LTTS . This is a great opportunity for candidates with strong hands-on experience in PAS-X MES design ...

Lead Design Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Lead Design Engineer We're looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer who thrives on leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality product and tooling designs. This role is ...

Lead Design Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Lead Design Engineer We're looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer who thrives on leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality product and tooling designs. This role is ...

Lead Design Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Lead Design Engineer We're looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer who thrives on leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality product and tooling designs. This role is ...

Lead Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Title: Lead Design Engineer Location: Onsite, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Type: Direct-Hire/Permanent Hours: Standard business hours Start: May Overview: Join a cutting-edge lab to discover novel ...

Lead Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Title: Lead Design Engineer Location: Onsite, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Type: Direct-Hire/Permanent Hours: Standard business hours Start: May Overview: Join a cutting-edge lab to discover novel ...

Lead Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Title: Lead Design Engineer Location: Onsite, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Type: Direct-Hire/Permanent Hours: Standard business hours Start: May Overview: Join a cutting-edge lab to discover novel ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Design Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead design engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead design engineer do?

A lead design engineer oversees the development and execution of engineering designs, ensuring they meet project specifications, safety standards, and client requirements. They coordinate with cross-functional teams, review technical drawings, and often use CAD software to create and modify designs, while providing technical guidance and leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

How does a Lead Design Engineer typically balance hands-on technical work with team leadership responsibilities?

As a Lead Design Engineer, you'll often split your time between direct engineering tasks—such as designing systems, reviewing technical drawings, or solving complex problems—and guiding your team through project milestones. This role requires strong organizational skills to delegate tasks effectively, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that design standards are met. Regular collaboration with cross-functional teams, like project management and manufacturing, is also a key part of the job. Successfully balancing these aspects can be challenging but is essential for driving both technical excellence and team growth.

What is the difference between Lead Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectLead Design EngineerDesign Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design projects, collaborates with cross-functional teams, oversees technical aspectsDevelops and modifies designs, supports project teams, follows specifications
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and construction industriesFound across similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The Lead Design Engineer typically has more experience, takes on leadership responsibilities, and oversees design projects, while the Design Engineer focuses on creating and refining designs under supervision. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to product development processes.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex technical requirements.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Leadership roles like engineering managers and principal engineers also typically reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring specialized certifications and a strong track record of project success.

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

To excel as a Lead Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, advanced design skills, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and relevant industry certifications (like PE or PMP) is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help drive team collaboration and innovative solutions. These competencies ensure high-quality project outcomes, efficient workflows, and successful leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or managerial capacities.
More about Lead Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Lead Design Engineer

Trueline

Denver, CO • On-site

$109K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description


We are an established engineering-driven manufacturer with a long history of designing premium commercial equipment, is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to join their team in the Denver, Colorado area. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior mechanical engineer to lead product innovation, mentor an engineering team, and shape the future direction of an established product portfolio while working in a collaborative, hands-on engineering environment.

What You'll Do as the Lead Design Engineer:

  • Lead the design and development of new commercial products from concept through production
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering projects simultaneously
  • Develop mechanical designs, CAD models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings
  • Serve as the technical authority for refrigeration systems, thermodynamics, sheet metal design, and electro-mechanical products
  • Lead design reviews, product validation, and stage-gate development processes
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, product reliability, and manufacturability
  • Champion engineering best practices including DFMEA, DFM, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving
  • Collaborate closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to deliver successful product launches
  • Mentor and develop engineers while helping build a high-performing engineering organization
  • Evaluate new technologies, materials, and engineering tools to support future product innovation

Must-Haves as the Lead Design Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
  • 12+ years of mechanical product design experience
  • Proven experience leading complex product development programs from concept through commercialization
  • Strong background in refrigeration systems, thermodynamics, or electro-mechanical product design
  • Advanced SolidWorks and PDM experience
  • Experience with DFMEA, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and engineering validation processes
  • Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional project management experience
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Nice-to-Haves as the Lead Design Engineer:

  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Experience designing commercial appliances or HVAC/R equipment
  • Familiarity with UL, NSF, CE, or other product certification standards
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Background in high-volume manufacturing environments

This Role Offers:

  • Base salary of $109,000-$138,000
  • Annual profit-sharing bonus opportunity
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off and company-sponsored benefits
  • Stable engineering organization with decades of industry leadership
  • Collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement
  • Opportunity to mentor engineers and influence future product strategy
  • Long-term career growth with increasing technical and leadership responsibility

Trueline and its clients are unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer,hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.