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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$200K - $225K *

Transform the future of cloud commerce by leading the design and evolution of scalable, resilient systems that enhance platform reliability and drive innovation across teams and products...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $237K *

Shape the future of secure member authentication by leading a senior team in building innovative identity solutions. Drive technical decisions and design across the customer identity stack, ensuring r...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $134K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through rigorous testing and validation. Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to uphold standards and enhance application performance...

New York, NYRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$250K - $280K *

Empower the development of AI observability capabilities, architecting data models and infrastructure while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user workflows and insights into AI sys...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $150K *

Transform your career by architecting scalable software solutions that empower users globally. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance platform functionality and performance while driving i...

Calgary, ABRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$221K - $235K *

Champion the development of secure, reliable software solutions by guiding technical direction, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring high-quality code delivery while addressing comp...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable, cloud-native APIs. Drive innovation in a green field project while ensuring system reliability and operational health with a focus o...

Mesa, AZRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$166K - $232K *

Lead the evolution of our data platform to enhance analytics and machine learning capabilities. Collaborate cross-functionally to architect robust data solutions that empower teams to leverage insight...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $209K *

Drive innovation by building scalable software solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and tackle complex challenges while leveraging cutting-edge tech...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading frontend architecture for scalable, high-performance systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and drive technical excellence in a dynamic, enterprise-l...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform healthcare technology by owning core products, driving architectural decisions, and ensuring high-quality code. Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful solutions that enhance patient c...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $190K *

Innovate scalable, cloud-native APIs with .NET and Java/Kotlin. Lead architecture discussions, enhance core offerings, and collaborate across teams to deliver high-value system components in a dynamic...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $135K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of digital services for Veterans. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll design and maintain scalable applications, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and me...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform the ScriptMed Cloud Platform by designing and deploying scalable solutions. Collaborate with teams to automate workflows and enhance customer onboarding while ensuring compliance with data s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $130K *

Contribute to the development of innovative web applications using .Net, Angular, and SQL. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance existing systems and design new solutions, ensuring high-quality s...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$121K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative fleet payment solutions by leveraging your full-stack expertise. Collaborate across disciplines to design, build, and launch scalable applications that enhance ex...

Portland, MERemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$243K - $318K *

Elevate your career by providing technical leadership across Dev AI platforms. Shape architectural strategies, drive cross-organizational initiatives, and enhance engineering quality while collaborati...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$148K - $215K *

Reimagine the future of financial engagement by leading innovative software development. Engage in full-stack responsibilities, collaborating across teams to enhance product experiences for educationa...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Unlock quality assurance excellence by developing and executing test plans, ensuring compliance with federal standards, and validating performance metrics for a critical IT modernization project...

Denver, CORemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$229K - $260K *

Transform the integration landscape by architecting robust connections between NodeZero and key security platforms, ensuring reliability and observability while mentoring engineers and driving technic...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Create seamless user experiences by developing robust APIs and integrating third-party software. Collaborate with teams to design systems that prioritize performance and maintainability while tackling...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Drive your career forward by contributing to product-focused software development. Engage in coding, debugging, and optimizing performance while collaborating on projects that enhance the software sta...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Empower our team by developing and maintaining web applications that enhance user experience and support critical health programs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and robu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $200K *

Transform your career by leading innovative software solutions, guiding AI-driven development, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the technical la...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $185K *

Join our Agile Product Team as a Senior Software Development Engineer, driving the creation of high-quality products for the Claims organization. Leverage your expertise in full stack development and...

Texas, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.