What does a lead engineer do?
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Lead engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead engineer resumes:
- Manage, train, and supervise other android developers.
- Manage final inspection and performance testing of API centrifugal pumps and steam turbines.
- Design and manage the build of infrastructure to support the corporate CRM applications used throughout the enterprise.
- Provide consultation to the ISO team in achieving certification, and enable company to win many more deals as a result.
- Support DOD agency needs in accomplishing engineer technical and non-technical goals associate with wireless LAN technology products.
- Develop the presentation tier using JSP, JavaScript, CSS, XHTML and HTML.
- Design and implement the database/DocBase architecture for the Java base digital exchange.
- Defect analyzing and tracking till closure in JIRA.
- Implement XSLT in transformations for transforming XML data.
- Develop python scripts for unit testing of RRC procedures.
- Maintain and implement the proper process follow on JIRA.
- Deploy continuous integration with Jenkins for automate build and deployment scripts.
- Develop presentation tier using JSP, HTML, and CSS and Ajax.
- Fill out daily log on part usage used windows program in checking out of parts.
- Involve in DevOps automation processes for build and deploy systems for legacy and microservices projects.
Lead engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Lead Engineers are proficient in Java, Python, and Architecture. They’re also known for soft skills such as Mechanical skills, Listening skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 12%
Developed an automation framework for Samsung 3D Blu-ray player using java technology.
- Python, 8%
Learned on-the-job and assisted in development of efficient machine learning platform using Python.
- Architecture, 7%
Develop or implement programs to improve sustainability or reduce the environmental impacts of engineering or architecture activities or operations.
- C++, 4%
Lead Engineer on Microsoft Windows 95/NT software project using Visual C++ and the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC).
- JavaScript, 4%
Used JavaScript and Server Validation Controls for performing input validations.
- API, 3%
Used Spark API over Cloud Load the data into Spark RDD and performed in-memory data computation to generate the output response.
Most lead engineers use their skills in "java," "python," and "architecture" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead engineer responsibilities here:
Mechanical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a lead engineer to have is mechanical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Lead engineers often use mechanical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "conducted preventive maintenance system on mechanical and electrical equipment. "
Listening skills. Many lead engineer duties rely on listening skills. "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists," so a lead engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways lead engineer responsibilities rely on listening skills: "developed software in java to listen for switch and flow stats and populate the mysql database. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for lead engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how lead engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a lead engineer: "trained 5 engineers on how to use cad (computer-aided design) tools to create nearly flawless geometry. ".
Creativity. A big part of what lead engineers do relies on "creativity." You can see how essential it is to lead engineer responsibilities because "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical lead engineer tasks: "provided up-to-date statuses/accountability of $1m+ dod computer/research materials and unit's $6m vehicle fleet inventory of 82 vehicles. "
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in lead engineer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what lead engineers do. Lead engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." You can also see how lead engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "resolved all java and scripting problems that arose out of the feature. "
The three companies that hire the most lead engineers are:
- Capital One946 lead engineers jobs
- Deloitte549 lead engineers jobs
- Ryder System114 lead engineers jobs
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Compare different lead engineers
Lead engineer vs. Engineer lead quality assurance lead
Engineer Lead Quality Assurance Leads are responsible for managing the designing and operations of hardware or software testing. Their duties include developing testing plans, implement risk mitigation strategies, communicate process improvements to cross-teams such as marketing and engineering, resolve the conflict between teams, and ensures product or software adheres to the organization and industry standards. They are also involved in reviewing technical design and specification, setting performance targets, and writing progress reports for management updates.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a lead engineer are more likely to require skills like "python," "architecture," "javascript," and "git." On the other hand, a job as an engineer lead quality assurance lead requires skills like "regression," "scrum," "test scripts," and "test data." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Engineers lead quality assurance lead really shine in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $114,398. Comparatively, lead engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $110,872.On average, engineers lead quality assurance lead reach similar levels of education than lead engineers. Engineers lead quality assurance lead are 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead engineer vs. Senior software development engineer
A senior software development engineer specializes in leading the efforts in designing and developing software and information systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing existing computer systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, testing new designs, and performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of operations, improving them to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, as a senior software development engineer, it is essential to monitor and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead engineer responsibilities requires skills like "architecture," "c #," "javascript," and "project management." But a senior software development engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "software development," "scrum," "code reviews," and "c."
On average, senior software development engineers earn a higher salary than lead engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, senior software development engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $134,736. Whereas lead engineers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $110,872.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior software development engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than lead engineers. In fact, they're 5.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University
Lead engineer vs. Senior systems software engineer
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from lead engineer resumes include skills like "c #," "javascript," "git," and "project management," whereas a senior systems software engineer is more likely to list skills in "software development," "c," "scrum," and "code reviews. "
Senior systems software engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $125,048. Comparatively, lead engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $110,872.When it comes to education, senior systems software engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to lead engineers. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead engineer vs. Principal software engineer
A Principal Software Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of an organization's projects. They diagnose, document, and troubleshoot systems to resolve problems identified through testing, as well as implement strategies to improve integration and efficiency.
Types of lead engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
