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Lead Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to drive the design and development of high-power InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications. This role requires technical leadership ...

Awg

Lead Design Engineer

Huntingdon, PA · Hybrid

$91K - $120K/yr

Lead development and delivery of all design aspects for capital engineering projects (water & wastewater treatment schemes up to 5M+). * Produce feasibility and design deliverables across all project ...

ISAT Total Support

LEAD DESIGN ENGINEER

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

... Design Lead, you will play a critical leadership role in the success of our Capital Projects by overseeing the preconstruction design process, ensuring the quality and timely delivery of engineering ...

Kokosing

Lead Design Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD

$125K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Construction Design Engineer to develop temporary civil and structural designs for bridge and infrastructure construction projects. This role can be based in either our Richmond ...

Kokosing

Lead Design Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$125K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Construction Design Engineer to develop temporary civil and structural designs for bridge and infrastructure construction projects. This role can be based in either our Richmond ...

Coherent

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to drive the design and development of high-power InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications. This role requires technical leadership ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to ... We know that sometimes different circumstances can lead talented people to hesitate to apply for a ...

Coherent Corp.

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to drive the design and development of high-power InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications. This role requires technical leadership ...

II-VI Incorporated

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA

$121K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to drive the design and development of high-power InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications. This role requires technical leadership ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to help close the gap between where the system is today and where it needs to be. This is a senior ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to help close the gap between where the system is today and where it needs to be. This is a senior ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

Austin, TX

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to help close the gap between where the system is today and where it needs to be. This is a senior ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

New York, NY

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to help close the gap between where the system is today and where it needs to be. This is a senior ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to ... We know that sometimes different circumstances can lead talented people to hesitate to apply for a ...

Braze

Lead Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$136K - $205K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO This is the first design engineer role at Braze. You'd be joining the Beacon team to ... We know that sometimes different circumstances can lead talented people to hesitate to apply for a ...

Eaton

Lead Design Engineer (Electrical)

Ellisville, MO · On-site

$97K - $143K/yr

Eaton's Bussmann Division is currently seeking a Lead Design Engineer (Electrical). This is a hybrid position (3 days on-site, 2 days remote per week) based at our Ellisville, MO location. Relocation ...

Hella

Lead Design Engineer - Sensors

Northville, MI · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

FORVIA -HELLA is seeking its next great design engineer to join our growing sensors team.The ... Serve as the lead technical liaison between customers and internal development teams, ensuring ...

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All JobsLead Design Engineer Jobs

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 Jun 9, 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 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.
More about Lead Design Engineer jobs
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What states have the most Lead Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Design Engineer jobs include:
Lead Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

$114K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Job Description:
  • Lead cutting-edge electrical and functional validation for next-generation DDR interfaces such as DDR5, LPDDR5, LPDDR6, HBM4 and GDDR7.
  • Design and execute innovative testing strategies to accelerate post-silicon bring-up.
  • Transform raw data into actionable insights through advanced analysis and visualization.
  • Resolve complex issues by driving JIRA-based debug workflows and collaborating across teams.
  • Deliver high-impact characterization reports that influence product decisions and customer success.
  • Automate using Python for validation, data processing, and reporting.
  • Be the go-to expert for customer DDR IP challenges, ensuring rapid debug and world-class technical support.

Experience:
M. Tech + 4 years' experience or B. Tech with 6 years' experience.
The annual salary range for California is $114,800 to $213,200. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
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