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Lead Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Alstom

Lead Design Engineer

New Castle, DE

$99K - $130K/yr

Could you be the full-time Lead Design Engineer in New Castle, DE we're looking for? Your future role Take on a new challenge and apply your engineering expertise in a new cutting-edge field. You'll ...

Descript

Lead Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$247K - $280K/yr

Here, you'll go by the title Lead Design Engineer, report to the head of Product Design, and collaborate closely with our Builder Experience team in our Engineering organization. You'll work at the ...

Alstom

Lead Design Engineer

New Castle, DE

$99K - $130K/yr

Could you be the full-time Lead Design Engineer in New Castle, DE we're looking for? Your future role Take on a new challenge and apply your engineering expertise in a new cutting-edge field. You'll ...

II-VI Incorporated

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 ...

Coherent

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 ...

Kokosing

Lead Design Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$140K - $200K/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 ...

Alstom

Lead Design Engineer

New Castle, DE · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Could you be the full-time Lead Design Engineer in New Castle, DE we're looking for? Your future role Take on a new challenge and apply your engineering expertise in a new cutting-edge field. You'll ...

Carrier

NPD Lead Design Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

The Lead Design Engineer serves as the primary design point of contact for assigned projects and provides technical leadership to onsite and offshore design resources. The role is hands-on, onsite ...

Carrier

Sr. Lead Design Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

The Lead Design Engineer serves as the primary design point of contact for assigned projects and provides technical leadership to onsite and offshore design resources. The role is hands-on, onsite ...

Cadence Design Systems Inc.

Lead Design Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to ...

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 ...

Cadence Design Systems Inc.

Lead Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to ...

Step

Lead Design Engineer

$104K - $138K/yr

We're looking for a Design Systems Engineer to help make that vision a reality. This role sits at the intersection of design and engineering, owning the systems, tooling, and infrastructure that ...

Step

Lead Design Engineer

$104K - $138K/yr

We're looking for a Design Systems Engineer to help make that vision a reality. This role sits at the intersection of design and engineering, owning the systems, tooling, and infrastructure that ...

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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 Aug 22, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead design engineer?

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.

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.

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Lead Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Lead Design Engineer

Coherent Corp.

Fremont, CA • On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description


About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world's communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.
Coherent's broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs.
Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.
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, hands-on device development, and cross-functional coordination across internal teams and external partners. This role is an opportunity to be at the forefront of high-power laser innovation in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. If you thrive on hands-on development, technical challenges, and collaborative problem-solving, we encourage you to apply.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Design and execution of InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications.
  • Comprehensive hands-on ownership of all aspects of laser design, including grating, epitaxy, and coating.
  • Device simulation to identify key design variables and set targets for optimal performance and yield.
  • Formulation and execution of wafer fabrication launch.
  • Design of test protocols and techniques to provide effective design feedback.
  • Technical coordination of internal and external teams, including epitaxy, semiconductor wafer fabrication, assembly, and test.
  • Program management, tracking schedule and milestones to ensure timely execution.
  • Customer interaction, translating customer requirements into laser specifications.
  • Direct engagement with external vendors, handling both technical and business aspects.

Education & Experience
  • MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred).
  • 3-5 years of relevant industry experience.

Skills
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, particularly laser physics and operating characteristics.
  • Experience with device simulation is a plus.
  • Working knowledge of semiconductor device fabrication processes, with hands-on experience preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with device characterization techniques, including both electrical and optical measurements.
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
  • Strong analytical skills, including statistical tools, data analysis, and presentation.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, including documentation.

Working Conditions
  • Full-time, on-site position.
  • Occasional travel required.

Physical Requirements
  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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