Lead Java Software Engineer Jobs

Discover Lead Java Software Engineer opportunities for experienced developers ready to guide teams and shape complex software systems. These roles combine hands-on Java development with technical leadership, architectural decision-making, and collaboration across product and engineering teams. Explore vetted positions with salaries of $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Lead Java Software Engineer Do?

Lead Java Software Engineers design, build, and maintain applications while helping set engineering standards and delivery direction. They may lead code reviews, mentor developers, break down technical requirements, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver reliable software. Depending on the organization, the role can emphasize backend services, distributed systems, cloud platforms, or enterprise applications.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek substantial Java experience and a strong understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, APIs, and software development practices. Familiarity with frameworks such as Spring, databases, testing approaches, and cloud or distributed-system architecture is often valuable. Communication, prioritization, mentoring, and the ability to make sound technical decisions are also important for a lead role.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Lead Java Software Engineers work across industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, retail, and enterprise software. Career paths may lead to roles such as Principal Engineer, Software Architect, or Engineering Manager, depending on a professional’s strengths and goals. Browse Ladders for vetted Lead Java Software Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more and find opportunities aligned with your experience.

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$160K - $190K *

Lead the technical vision for large-scale systems software, architecting solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and scalability across distributed infrastructure serving billions of users. D...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Shape the future of large-scale systems software by driving technical vision and architecture for platform services and runtime environments, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability across...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$147K - $211K *

Develop and test robust software solutions, collaborating with teams to enhance system quality and reliability while resolving complex technical issues and optimizing performance...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $211K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in software development by applying advanced technologies and collaborating across functions to deliver high-impact solutions and enhance user experiences in dyna...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $170K *

Partner with us to develop scalable software systems that enhance engineering and manufacturing workflows, enabling seamless data flow and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams in a d...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$160K - $190K *

Champion innovative software solutions by collaborating with stakeholders to develop, test, and maintain applications and APIs in a fast-paced Agile environment, ensuring operational excellence and cu...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $150K *

Partner with us to drive innovative integration solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance client experiences and deliver high-quality technology outcomes in a dynamic environment...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $150K *

Unlock innovative technology solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and enhance scalable integration solutions that drive business value and improve client experien...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $110K *

Empower your career by developing and documenting innovative software solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance control systems while expanding your professional skills in a supportive env...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $203K *

Develop and maintain secure, scalable software applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance solutions, ensuring compliance with performance and security standards. Provide m...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $170K *

Lead the design and development of scalable TypeScript systems, leveraging AI agents for implementation while ensuring architecture and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impa...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$69K - $141K *

Empower your career by developing mission-critical software for space systems. Collaborate with senior engineers, enhance your skills, and take ownership of features in a dynamic environment focused o...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space technology! As a Software Engineer, you'll develop mission-critical software, collaborate with experts, and enhance your skills while delivering impactfu...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Transform your software engineering career by delivering impactful solutions in the space domain. Collaborate with senior engineers, tackle complex challenges, and enhance your skills while contributi...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Elevate your software engineering career by developing mission-critical space system software. Collaborate with senior engineers, implement features independently, and deepen your technical skills in...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Engineer, contributing to mission-critical space systems. Leverage your 3+ years of experience to develop robust software solutions, collaborate with experts, and enh...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Join us to elevate your software engineering career by developing mission-critical space system software. Collaborate with senior engineers, implement features independently, and deepen your technical...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Grow your career as a Software Engineer, delivering impactful solutions in the space domain. Collaborate with senior engineers, tackle complex challenges, and enhance your skills while contributing to...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Join a dynamic team to develop mission-critical software for space systems. Leverage your 3+ years of experience to implement features, collaborate with experts, and enhance your skills in a supportiv...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space technology! As a Software Engineer, you'll develop mission-critical software, collaborate with experts, and enhance your skills while delivering impactfu...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $155K *

Unlock potential by contributing to innovative software solutions in cybersecurity. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle complex networking challenges, enhancing operational success for federal c...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive system improvements and enhance applications by identifying opportunities, implementing innovative designs, and maintaining quality code while collaborating with teams to leverage new technologi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $190K *

Innovate your career by leading cross-functional teams to develop scalable applications. Drive technical excellence through mentorship, code optimization, and strategic direction while leveraging cutt...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?question toggle

    A Lead Java Software Engineer develops Java-based systems and provides technical direction for a team or project. Responsibilities can include system design, coding, code reviews, mentoring, and coordinating delivery with product and engineering partners.

  • What qualifications are common for Lead Java Software Engineer jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for extensive Java development experience, knowledge of software architecture and APIs, and familiarity with tools and frameworks such as Spring. Leadership, communication, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving skills are also important.

  • How much do Lead Java Software Engineers earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by employer, location, industry, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, so candidates can explore opportunities in that salary range.

  • What career paths can follow a Lead Java Software Engineer role?question toggle

    Potential next steps include Principal Engineer, Software Architect, Engineering Manager, or other senior technical leadership roles. The best path depends on whether you want to deepen technical expertise or focus more on people and organizational leadership.