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.
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.
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.
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.
Software Development Engineer in Test II
$82K - $147K *
Unlock potential by driving automated testing strategies and enhancing deployment processes. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure quality and performance across microservices, while maintainin...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
$95K - $115K *
Join our dynamic team to enhance QA automation and CI/CD processes. As a key player, you'll develop automated tests using Playwright and TypeScript, ensuring product quality and seamless integration a...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test (Python)
$62K - $112K *
Transform the software testing landscape by defining strategies, automating processes, and ensuring quality throughout the SDLC. Collaborate with teams to enhance deployment practices and troubleshoot...
1 week ago
Software Development Test Engineer (SDET), KSM
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cybersecurity by designing and scaling automated test systems for a leading secrets management platform, ensuring quality and reliability in cloud-native servi...
6 days ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Unlock potential by leading test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to design automated benchmarks and validate deployment safety, ensuring high standards acr...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer in Test
$135K - $165K *
Transform quality assurance by owning strategy, automation, and testing in an AI-driven environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and maintainability while e...
2 days ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Drive innovation as you lead the design and deployment of scalable AI-native platforms, blending advanced technologies with enterprise systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure high performance and...
2 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Join a team that's driving Mergers & Acquisitions success by leading Dynamics 365 configuration and customization efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize business processes and ensure seaml...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $185K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing innovative cloud-native applications, leveraging advanced technologies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance member experiences and drive...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer
$83K - $222K *
Elevate healthcare technology by designing and implementing scalable web services and APIs. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions that enhance patient care and streamline ope...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $185K *
Champion the development of scalable software solutions, mentoring engineers and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance digital platforms. Drive technical excellence and ensure security in backend...
2 days ago
Senior Software Developer in Test (AI Portfolio)
$114K - $155K *
Transform the testing landscape by developing automated solutions for AI products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing strategies, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-pac...
1 week ago
Software Development Test Engineer (SDET), IOS
$110K - $130K *
Inspire your career by joining a dynamic team focused on mobile automation, designing frameworks and enhancing test coverage for iOS and Android apps. Collaborate closely with engineering and product...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $118K *
Elevate the quality of software by designing automated testing frameworks and integrating AI tools for enhanced efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth delivery of hig...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Full Stack
$170K - $200K *
Shape the future of financial technology by developing seamless web applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create high-quality software that enhances user experience and drives strategic inn...
1 week ago
Software Development Test Engineer (SDET), Android
$110K - $130K *
Engage with us to enhance Android automation testing. Collaborate in designing robust test frameworks, ensuring quality through innovative CI/CD integration, and optimizing app performance across devi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer II - Data Platform
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data platforms by building and operating high-scale distributed systems. Collaborate with engineers to enhance analytics capabilities and empower organizations...
2 days ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$121K - $145K *
Champion innovative solutions by building custom software for partners, engaging stakeholders, and defining architectural roadmaps. Drive efficiency and customer success through collaborative developm...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer - Big Data
$156K - $262K *
Join a dynamic team to design and optimize scalable data pipelines and infrastructure, enabling analytics and AI-driven capabilities. Collaborate across functions to deliver high-quality data solution...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $210K *
Engage in client development and system architecture while leading a team to enhance client satisfaction. Collaborate on solutions, mentor staff, and drive growth through effective communication and s...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer Test III -REMOTE
$92K - $115K *
Engineer robust end-to-end test automation frameworks using Playwright. Collaborate across teams to enhance QA capabilities, leveraging AI tools for efficient testing and maintenance, while mentoring...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer in Test, Compiler & Systems Validation
$135K - $160K *
Oversee quality engineering initiatives by enhancing validation practices, establishing scalable strategies, and improving release evidence in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure robus...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, Commerce
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping innovative Commerce solutions, guiding a high-performing engineering team to deliver exceptional customer experiences while driving technical excellence and strategic decisi...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as you champion quality across the SDLC, promoting best practices in testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to build and scale automated test suites, ensuring reliability and perf...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Quality & Automation
$110K - $130K *
Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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.