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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$165K - $215K *

Architect innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, driving platform direction and enabling deep specialists. You'll tackle high-leverage problems that define our future capabilities and e...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$144K - $189K *

Lead the development of large-scale product features, ensuring robust, secure, and maintainable code. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence product strategy while mentoring junior engin...

CanadaRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $200K *

Transform backend systems by leveraging Java and Kotlin to enhance patch management capabilities for millions of endpoints. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-quality so...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Take ownership of next-generation IT infrastructure innovation. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, deploy, and secure tools that enhance operational capabilities using leading technologies in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$179K - $228K *

Join a team of engineers solving complex networking and security challenges through low-level software development for critical communication systems. Engage in hands-on programming that directly impa...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of quality engineering practices across a cutting-edge platform. Drive test automation, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure the reliability and scalability of cloud-nati...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $185K *

Unlock potential by leading the architecture and development of scalable core platform systems that process transactions and integrate with financial institutions globally. Drive innovation and mentor...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Build innovative AI solutions by collaborating with clients to tackle complex challenges. Design and deploy production-quality software while ensuring reliability and usability in real-world environme...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Optimize quality assurance processes by designing and maintaining automation frameworks that enhance software reliability and delivery speed. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure complian...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $270K *

Empower innovation as you lead technical initiatives for multi-tenant platforms, guiding architecture and implementation while collaborating across teams to enhance partner capabilities and ensure ser...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $175K *

Join our team to drive the technical direction of our Internal Developer Platform, enhancing workflows and tooling for engineering teams. You'll lead multi-quarter strategies, ensuring reliable delive...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $145K *

Innovate and elevate a robust cybersecurity platform by architecting, building, and shipping features across the full stack. Collaborate with a high-performing team to enhance security, reliability, a...

Portland, MERemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $175K *

Engineer your career with a Senior Software Safety Engineer role focused on developing safety-critical autonomous systems. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance software safety process...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic SQA team to enhance software quality. Drive testing strategies, mentor team members, and ensure compliance with best practices while managing multiple projects in...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $161K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing complex enterprise software solutions. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance data processes and support critical business function...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$202K - $253K *

Shape the future of cardiometabolic care by driving backend architecture and cross-functional collaboration. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and deliver scalable solutions that enhance mem...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$255K - $290K *

Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engage in solving complex distributed systems challenges, driving impactful projects from inception to launch. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance performance and reliability while fostering a...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Accelerate automation initiatives by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compl...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in building AI agent discovery across cloud platforms and endpoints. Develop security assessments for AI agents that enhance the overall governance within our AI security framework, re...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $130K *

Transform the quality assurance landscape by leading manual and automated testing efforts, ensuring enterprise applications meet high standards for reliability, usability, and performance while collab...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $160K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of engineering by leading architectural decisions, mentoring talent, and driving scalable design within our technical ecosystem, while influencing product and engi...

San Jose, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $300K *

Contribute to the technical direction and architectural excellence by leading large-scale initiatives, mentoring engineers, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high-impact software solutio...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $275K *

Join a team that's scaling innovative distributed systems across our platform, shaping technical frameworks, and driving organizational growth while collaborating with talented engineers in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Champion engineering excellence by leading a dynamic team focused on developing and modernizing critical software platforms. Drive innovation, ensure reliability, and foster a culture of accountabilit...

Austin, TXRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.