1

Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Software Developer Technical Lead will serve as the senior technical authority for software development activities supporting. This individual will guide the engineering team in designing ...

Senior iOS Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$121K - $149K/yr

May perform as a technical leader or Lead Software Engineer for derivative software project * Collaborate and add value through participation in peer code reviews, providing comments and suggestions

Senior Android Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$121K - $149K/yr

May perform as a technical leader or Lead Software Engineer * Collaborate and add value through participation in peer code reviews, providing comments and suggestions * Provide reliable solutions to ...

Software/Systems Engineer IV

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$170K - $202K/yr

Determines timelines for completing engineering projects, and reports to the Engineering & Integration Manager, Supervisor, and/or the Lead Software Engineer on the project's status. * Works closely ...

Software/Systems Engineer IV

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$170K - $202K/yr

Determines timelines for completing engineering projects, and reports to the Engineering & Integration Manager, Supervisor, and/or the Lead Software Engineer on the project's status. Works closely ...

As Lead AI/ML Software 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Software Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$87.3K

$153.4K

$208.2K

How much do lead software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software engineer in Colorado is $153,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,200.00 and $177,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Lead Software Engineers and senior technical roles in high-demand industries such as finance, technology, and consulting can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or machine learning, and often require leadership responsibilities and specialized certifications.

What are Lead Software Engineers?

Lead Software Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing software development teams and guiding the technical direction of projects. They combine strong programming skills with leadership abilities, ensuring that software solutions are designed, developed, and maintained according to best practices and business requirements. Lead Software Engineers mentor junior team members, coordinate tasks, and often collaborate with other departments to deliver high-quality products on time. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between technical teams and management, ensuring both technical excellence and alignment with organizational goals.

What is a lead software engineer?

A lead software engineer is a senior technical role responsible for guiding the development team, designing software solutions, and ensuring project quality. They often coordinate tasks, review code, and collaborate with stakeholders, requiring strong technical skills and leadership abilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Lead Software Engineer or senior technical roles in high-paying industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options or bonuses. Such compensation is typically found in large tech companies, investment firms, or startups with significant funding.

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

To thrive as a Lead Software Engineer, you need advanced programming expertise, software architecture knowledge, and a degree in computer science or a related field, often supplemented by experience in leading development teams. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is typically expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for mentoring developers and managing projects. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, high-quality code, and effective team collaboration in complex technical environments.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Lead software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level often requires seniority, advanced technical expertise, and sometimes leadership roles or executive compensation packages.

How does a Lead Software Engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership and mentoring responsibilities?

As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll find that your role involves a dynamic mix of technical work and team leadership. While you'll still contribute directly to codebases—often tackling complex or critical components—you'll also spend significant time guiding junior engineers, conducting code reviews, and facilitating technical discussions. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and communication skills, as well as the ability to delegate effectively. The role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction while fostering team growth and collaboration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Software Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Lead Software Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Lead Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Lead Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Lead Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,406 per year, or $73.8 per hour.
Software Engineer Lead

Software Engineer Lead

Peraton

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking incumbent and external qualified candidates to support North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Cheyene Mountain Complex (NCMC) - Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment (NCMC-ITW/AA) and Space Support Contract III (NISSC III).

Please note that this is contingent upon contract award, with an anticipated decision expected by summer 2026

Qualified candidates will help operate, maintain, and sustain critical national mission systems to deliver resilient strategic threat warning and space capabilities as part of a world-wide architecture, providing strategic warning that our nation depends on during a conflict. This program will provide an opportunity to exploit the capabilities inherent in our diverse national systems to better meet the needs of the national command authority and warfighters to detect, track, and respond to strategic threats through 2030 and beyond.

The Software Developer Technical Lead will serve as the senior technical authority for software development activities supporting. This individual will guide the engineering team in designing, developing, integrating, and delivering mission critical software solutions. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead software development activities across the full life-cycle, including architecture, design, implementation, integration, testing, and deployment. 
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for software development within the Epoch 2 Ground Management and Integration effort. 
  • Define and maintain software architecture that supports scalable, resilient, and secure ground system capabilities. 
  • Ensure software development teams align and follow Agile software development processes 
  • Provide technical direction and mentor-ship to a team of software developers and subcontractor personnel. 
  • Coordinate with systems engineering teams to ensure software solutions align with system requirements, interfaces, and mission needs. 
  • Oversee integration of software components into larger ground system architectures, ensuring compatibility and performance. 
  • Confirm compliance with cybersecurity, DevSecOps, and SSC standards throughout the development lifecycle. 
  • Support Agile planning and execution models to include sprint planning, backlog refinement, and technical reviews. 
  • Conduct code reviews and enforce best practices for quality, maintainability, and reliability. 
  • Prepare and deliver technical documentation including design artifacts, interface control documents, and test plans. 
  • Collaborate with the Program Manager to track progress, identify risks, and ensure successful delivery of milestones. 
  • Engage with government stakeholders to clarify requirements, present technical solutions, and support decision making. 
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, a minimum of 12 years experience 
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility 
  • Proficiency in modern programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, or similar 
  • Experience using Jira and Confluence  
  • Experience leading technical teams in complex, mission critical environments 
  • Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines, CI/CD, and containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes) 
  • Experience with distributed systems, real-time processing, or ground-system architectures 

 Desired Qualifications:

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills 
  • Experience with space or missile defense programs, especially OPIR or SSC programs 
  • Knowledge of Agile frameworks such as Scrum or SAFe 
  • Experience with cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, or government cloud environments) 
  • Background in systems engineering or integration of complex multivendor systems 
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Peraton logo

About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017