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Lead Design Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

ASIC Design Leader

Crane, IN

Due to the nature of our research and the necessity to obtain security clearance, the Engineering ... Lead design, integration, and testing efforts through both hands-on and delegated approaches.

Grote Industries

Engineering - Lead CAD

Madison, IN · On-site

The Lead CAD Designer will be a critical member of our engineering and design team, responsible for the comprehensive 3D design and development of automotive headlamps. This role requires an expert ...

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All JobsLead Design Engineer JobsLead Design Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Lead Design Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$40.4K

$117.8K

$171.8K

How much do lead design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead design engineer in Indiana is $117,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Design Engineer do?

A Lead Design Engineer oversees the design and development of products, systems, or structures, often leading a team of engineers and designers. They are responsible for ensuring that design projects meet technical requirements, deadlines, and quality standards. This role involves coordinating between different departments, reviewing technical drawings, and providing guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Lead Design Engineers also play a key role in problem-solving and innovation, making sure that the final output is both functional and cost-effective.

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 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.
Lead Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Design Engineer job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,789 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Opto-Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Opto-Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Samtec, Inc

New Albany, IN

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Samtec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $950 million global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec’s global presence enables its unmatched customer service. 
THIS POSITION WILL BE LOCATED ONSITE AT SAMTEC - NEW ALBANY, IN

Summary/Objective:  The Optical Product Engineer designs and develops within New Product or Sustaining Product Engineering. 

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities: 
  1. Developing & writing the Engineering inputs for technical documentation; and adhere to all corporate engineering standards including but not limited to documentation, file management, part modeling, and part simulation.
  2. Works directly with Marketing, Sales, Product Tech Lead, and Systems Architect to review opportunities and develop engineering cost analyses based on Product Scopes; work directly with purchasing, quality, manufacturing engineering, test engineering, process engineering, plating, suppliers, and other necessary groups as a cross-functional team to develop products and solutions.
  3. Make significant contributions to design, development, and validation of active optical transceiver solutions (including but not limited to VCSEL/PD based mid-board optical transceivers, passive optical interconnects, high-speed electrical connectors).
  4. Works hands on to identify problems during new product development and/or when quality concerns arise.
  5. Effective use of Office365 including Outlook, Excel, PPT, SharePoint, etc. 
  6. Work effectively with different levels and individuals inside and outside of the organization.
“The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities” 
Required Experience 
  1. 3 – 5 Year’s experience in active optical transceiver design or connector design/manufacturing required.
    • Component, assembly design, and manufacturing experience may be considered in lieu of years of experience.
  2. Engineering Design Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc. 
  3. Simulation Software: FEA, CFD/Thermal Modeling, etc. is preferred, but not required. 
  4. Must be proficient in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and Advanced Tolerance Analysis.
  5. Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously as priorities can change quickly. 
  6. Must have excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills with team members working in different locations. 
  7. Must be able to sit/stand for at least 90 consecutive minutes, and not suffer from any sensory deprivation and/or paralysis of the limbs.

Preferred Education:
  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent is required
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About SAMTEC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Albany, IN, US

Year founded

1976

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