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.
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.
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.
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.
$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...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Enterprise AI
$168K - $177K *
Join us to build scalable AI-powered solutions that transform grocery technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful products while navigating complex challenges in a dynamic...
Today
Principal Software Engineer, Workload Orchestration (Distributed Compute))
$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...
3 days ago
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$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...
4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Java | Patching
$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...
2 weeks ago
Sr. DevOps Engineer - Federal Customer
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Cyber Software Engineer
$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...
1 month ago
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer (New York)
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Backend MSSP
$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...
Today
Staff DevOps Engineer, Developer Experience (DevEx)
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Software Safety Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Application Development Engineer
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer, Agentic Data Platform
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Automation Engineer - Ansible
$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...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer - AI Discovery & Posture
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. QA Test Engineer (Quality Assurance)
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted yesterday
What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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.