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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1
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$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential as a key leader in innovative assessment development, guiding a team to create impactful educational solutions while collaborating across divisions and managing client expectatio...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

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

$150K - $175K *

Shape the future of investment technology by developing scalable front-end applications using React and TypeScript. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive innova...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$102K - $154K *

Champion innovative cloud migration solutions by developing automated validation tests, ensuring application integrity post-migration, and leading cross-functional teams to optimize performance and re...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $276K *

Accelerate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on building scalable financial engagement solutions for students. Collaborate cross-functionally, drive technical excellence, and help shape pr...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative, AI-powered financial audit solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design agent-driven experiences and own complex onboarding workflows for major...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$121K - $218K *

Unlock the potential of data by designing and operating high-volume pipelines that transform raw usage into reliable billing data, driving revenue and ensuring data integrity in a collaborative engine...

Cambridge, MARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $180K *

Shape the future of cloud technology by leading the design and operation of secure, scalable services. Drive architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance our clou...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $235K *

Join a team that's redefining software engineering by developing scalable Python microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to enhance real-time data processing and cloud-based solutions...

Bethesda, MDRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $213K *

Lead the charge in building a high-throughput decision engine for innovative card products. Collaborate across teams to design scalable systems, ensuring robust performance and mentoring junior engine...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $235K *

Engineer innovative AI/ML solutions by collaborating with teams to design, deploy, and manage scalable models. Drive impactful insights through seamless API integration and advanced training resources...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $176K *

Drive innovation in document processing by leading high-impact projects, shaping architecture, and optimizing performance in a queue-driven pipeline. Collaborate across teams to enhance AI products an...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $145K *

Drive the design and development of innovative software solutions while mentoring junior engineers. Leverage extensive technical expertise to enhance system architecture and ensure high-quality delive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$193K - $309K *

Innovate by leading the development of scalable features for our Sports & Entertainment platform. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences and drive Toast's success while mentoring fel...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $235K *

Lead impactful product engineering initiatives by crafting intuitive user experiences and simplifying complex workflows. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to enhance frontend architectur...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $387K *

Elevate your career by designing and developing advanced NoSQL databases. Join our dynamic team to enhance global infrastructure through cloud-native solutions, optimizing performance and scalability...

San Jose, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by managing technical programs across global engineering teams. Drive alignment, enhance decision-making, and leverage AI to optimize workflows while supporting senior leadership i...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Drive your career with a Senior Site Reliability Engineer role focused on building secure AWS GovCloud foundations for FedRAMP High and IL5, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while mentor...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $206K *

Transform AI observability by developing end-to-end capabilities, architecting data models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user workflows and insights into agent performance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$212K - $265K *

Advance your career by leading the design of scalable insurance systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings and drive technical excellence in a dynamic environment...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$122K - $160K *

Transform the future of endpoint management by developing innovative solutions that enhance security and performance across diverse platforms, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver impactful so...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate with us as a Senior Software Engineer, driving core feature development and automation across the stack. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance scalability and performance in a dynamic, mi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $120K *

Elevate software quality by leading comprehensive testing strategies, ensuring all systems meet rigorous standards and user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and del...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Testing Principal, where you'll develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dri...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$73K - $102K *

Shape the future of technology by leading automation efforts, enhancing software quality, and collaborating across teams to deliver innovative solutions. Drive the development and implementation of ro...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $125K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building robust software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while ensuring reliability and pe...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.