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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$83K - $222K *

Empower innovation by delivering high-quality web applications and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive data visualizations and integrate AI capabilities, enhancing Payer...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$83K - $222K *

Drive innovation by delivering high-quality web applications and interactive dashboards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI capabilities and build resilient APIs in a fast-paced...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Unlock the potential of NetBox Delivery by leading software design, enhancing production reliability, and mentoring engineers. Shape the technical direction and ensure seamless deployment on Cloud and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $200K *

Transform customer experiences by providing technical expertise and solutions. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to deliver impactful product demonstrations and address technical challenges...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$250K - $413K *

Engineer innovative TV app features that enhance user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the future of entertainment, impacting millions globally through cutting-edge techno...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$225K - $338K *

Transform the future of AI security by leading the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, while mentoring junior developers and driving innov...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $338K *

Transform cloud infrastructure for a cutting-edge AI security platform. Architect scalable solutions, optimize CI/CD pipelines, and ensure system reliability while leveraging serverless technologies a...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $310K *

Join us to lead the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, enhancing security and efficiency through innovative AI tools and collaborative ar...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines while administering Linux/Windows servers. Engage in configuration management and mentor team members to enhance platform standards and secur...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines while administering Linux/Windows servers. Collaborate on configuration management and mentor team members to enhance DevOps practices in a...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $285K *

Lead the development of Test & Code Coverage capabilities, transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamlin...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for defense personnel, utilizing Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate in an agile team to enhance program and financial management tool...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$218K - $245K *

Empower AI observability by delivering end-to-end solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and insights into agent performance, costs, and errors, while navigat...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by developing software solutions for statistical research and data analysis. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance methodologies and support critical projects, ensuring impactful...

Iowa, USRemote

2 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Tackle the challenges of building scalable backend services in a cloud environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the Temporal Cloud experience, focusing on reliability, performan...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform the Kubernetes and AI/ML infrastructure landscape by leading cross-team initiatives, defining architecture, and enhancing platform reliability for scalable, secure cloud solutions...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance SaaS applications, utilizing Agile methodologies. Collaborate with peers, support customers, and drive innovative solutions while staying updated on technica...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Lead backend development and API architecture, ensuring security, performance, and data integrity while collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors to deliver robust solutions...

Albany, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to develop and maintain applications that integrate engineering systems with campus data, ensuring high-quality data access for operational workflows and enhancing user ex...

Madison, WIRemote

1 week ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance and maintain the PeopleSoft Campus Solutions SIS, ensuring a robust technological infrastructure that supports student success and institutional goals throug...

Madison, WIRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$79K - $143K *

Join a team that's redefining release engineering by optimizing CI/CD pipelines, integrating AI solutions, and ensuring high-quality software delivery through innovative automation and collaboration w...

Ottawa, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in transforming business challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in automation and integration. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information 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.