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Lead Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Donohoe Companies, Inc.

Lead Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$52.66/hr

The Lead Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site and must hold a valid DC Third Class Engineer License. This position is responsible for overseeing the on-site CBS workforce, ensuring ...

CBS

Lead Engineer

Washington, DC

$52.66/hr

The Lead Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site and must hold a valid DC Third Class Engineer License. This position is responsible for overseeing the on-site CBS workforce, ensuring ...

Donohoe Companies Inc., The

Lead Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$52.66/hr

The Lead Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site and must hold a valid DC Third Class Engineer License. This position is responsible for overseeing the on-site CBS workforce, ensuring ...

CBS

Lead Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$52.66/hr

The Lead Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site and must hold a valid DC Third Class Engineer License. This position is responsible for overseeing the on-site CBS workforce, ensuring ...

Raft

Lead Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

As Lead Engineer for [R]AIMS, you will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for evolving the architecture, execution, and engineering rigor of Raft's AI Mission System. You will be hands-on ...

Raft Company Website

Lead Engineer

Mclean, VA

$103K - $136K/yr

As Lead Engineer for [R]AIMS, you will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for evolving the architecture, execution, and engineering rigor of Raft's AI Mission System. You will be hands-on ...

Raft

Lead Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

As Lead Engineer for [R]AIMS, you will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for evolving the architecture, execution, and engineering rigor of Raft's AI Mission System. You will be hands-on ...

Alutiiq

Lead Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

The Lead Operating Engineer works under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer and assumes the Chief Engineer's responsibilities when necessary. This role is responsible for the safe and ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Lead Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

The Lead Operating Engineer works under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer and assumes the Chief Engineer's responsibilities when necessary. This role is responsible for the safe and ...

Alutiiq

Lead Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $143K/yr

The Lead Engineer will utilize advanced skills to perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of building systems and equipment. The role includes monitoring building system ...

Digital Realty

Lead Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$104K - $138K/yr

Lead Engineer Your role We are hiring a Lead Engineer, the role will give you the opportunity to expand your skills and experience working on mission critical infrastructure facilities operations for ...

Digital Realty

Lead Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$104K - $138K/yr

Lead Engineer Your role We are hiring a Lead Engineer, the role will give you the opportunity to expand your skills and experience working on mission critical infrastructure facilities operations for ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Lead Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$64.09/hr

The Lead Engineer will utilize advanced skills to perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of building systems and equipment. The role includes monitoring building system ...

Boston Properties Limited

Lead Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$42.18 - $54.66/hr

The Lead Building Engineer will receive supervision and direction from the Chief Engineer. In the absence of a Chief Engineer, (i) the Building/Operations Manager and/or Property Manager will provide ...

BryceTech

Technical Lead Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$104K - $138K/yr

The technical lead engineer serves as the technical lead responsible for end-to-end integration across the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), ensuring mission execution across space ...

Digital Realty

Lead Engineer

Ashburn, VA

$104K - $138K/yr

Lead Engineer Your role We are hiring a Lead Engineer, the role will give you the opportunity to expand your skills and experience working on mission critical infrastructure facilities operations for ...

VTG

SWFTS Lead Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a highly qualified SWFTS Lead Engineer with extensive knowledge of Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical Systems (SWFTS) to lead development and deployment of the next ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Engineer JobsLead Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Lead Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$48.1K

$140.2K

$204.4K

How much do lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead engineer in Washington, DC is $140,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,100.00 and $152,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead engineer?

A lead engineer oversees a team of engineers who work on maintaining and streamlining corporate projects. In this job, your primary duties and focus is on the equipment, technology, and infrastructure that make up the company’s operating system. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering and specialization in the company’s industry. You hone your skills as a junior engineer before gaining enough experience to advance your career to a lead engineer position.

What does a lead engineer do?

A Lead Engineer is responsible for overseeing technical projects, guiding engineering teams, and ensuring that design and development processes meet organizational goals. They serve as both a technical expert and a team leader, providing mentorship, setting project timelines, and coordinating with other departments. Lead Engineers often participate in decision-making, problem-solving, and quality assurance to deliver successful engineering outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools, version control systems, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective project delivery, team coordination, and technical excellence in complex engineering environments.

What are some common challenges lead engineers face when managing cross-functional teams?

Lead Engineers often face the challenge of aligning technical teams with stakeholders from other departments, such as product management or quality assurance. Balancing project deadlines with technical excellence can require strong communication and negotiation skills. It's also common to encounter differences in priorities or technical understanding, so building consensus and fostering collaboration are key. Adapting to shifting project requirements while maintaining team morale is another important aspect of the role.
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Lead Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,198 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Lead Engineer

The Donohoe Companies, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$52.66/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Complete Building Services (CBS) is seeking a Lead Engineer for a large facility located in Northwest Washington, DC. Reporting directly to the Chief Engineer. The Lead Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site and must hold a valid DC Third Class Engineer License. This position is responsible for overseeing the on-site CBS workforce, ensuring all personnel perform their duties safely, effectively, and in full compliance with contract requirements. Send resume to vickit@donohoe.com and alexisd@donohoe.com

Lead Engineers provide 24/7 coverage M-F as well as on-site weekends and holidays to cover the building and ensure no equipment interruptions, acting as the technical lead in lieu of the Chief Engineer's absence. The Lead Engineers will support the Chief Engineer in all technical matters at the facility.

  • Manage in-house and subcontracted technical workforce handling ongoing operations and building infrastructure maintenance
  • Lead Engineer must be knowledgeable in operating, maintaining, and repairing HVAC utility and associated systems
  • Supervise planning, organization, and performance of maintenance and repair work supported by the DC 3rd  Engineers, Electricians, Elevator Technicians, and Utility Mechanics

Shifts: Day, Second, and Third shifts. (Monday - Friday and Weekends) 

Salary: $52.66 per hour


The Lead Engineer will possess the following:

  • Active DC 3rd Class license
  • High school diploma  
  • Minimum of 7-10+ years experience as a Lead or Chief Engineer in a comparable size facility (2 million + sq. ft.)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of MEP systems, specialized subcontracted trades, and mission critical operating characteristics to oversee and direct daily equipment and systems operations 
  • Computer proficient and advanced knowledge of DDC control system
  • Strong communication and writing skills

EOE, including disability/veterans


Complete Building Services (CBS) is a company that is dedicated to the operation and maintenance of buildings/facilities in the commercial and government sectors. CBS is the largest division of The Donohoe Companies, Inc. - Washington DC's most established real estate company. At CBS, we celebrate and empower our talented employees - and it shows as we have been ranked by the Washington Business Journal as the "Best Place to Work" multiple times. 

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