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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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...

Ottawa, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Livonia, MIRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Texas, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Washington, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.