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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$102K - $136K *

Empower your career by designing and delivering scalable software solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance healthcare supply chain products using modern t...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $150K *

Lead the charge in developing web-based dissemination tools for external users, collaborating with developers to enhance data visualization and streamline CI/CD processes using modern frameworks and b...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$86K - $115K *

Elevate the quality of healthcare technology by owning test strategies for platform components, enhancing automation, and ensuring stability across releases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$132K - $251K *

Join a team that's redefining data governance through innovative integration and automation solutions. Collaborate across functions to design scalable architectures that enhance data management capabi...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining operational efficiency by architecting robust internal tools and applying AI to real-world challenges. You'll lead technical direction, drive impactful decisions, and enh...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$106K - $284K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and development of innovative healthcare platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure applications that enhance user experie...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $115K *

Unlock your potential as you contribute to scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance assessment systems. Gain hands-on experience in modern development practice...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$107K - $204K *

Transform enterprise software deployment by leveraging DevSecOps principles and cloud technologies. Collaborate with engineering teams to modernize legacy systems and enhance application lifecycle man...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Elevate healthcare outcomes by designing scalable web applications that enhance radiology workflows. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop robust backend services and mentor fellow engineers in a...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $140K *

Optimize web application development by leading design and implementation using .NET Core, ASP.NET, and Angular. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior developers, and ensure code quality while leverag...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$500K+*

Unlock potential by building a next-gen ML data platform that enhances productivity for ML practitioners. Collaborate with experts to create scalable infrastructure for feature computation and sharing...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$160K - $180K *

Empower your career by delivering AI observability solutions end-to-end. Collaborate with a cross-functional team to enhance user experiences and drive insights into AI systems, shaping the future of...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $140K *

Lead the charge in designing and building scalable software solutions, owning features from concept to deployment while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across teams to enhance payment pro...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development of critical firmware for safety-critical systems, collaborating across teams to optimize embedded platforms. Drive best practices and mentor engineers while ensuring reliability a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$152K - $205K *

Champion the development of scalable blockchain systems and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance payment solutions while troubleshooting issues and ensuring high-quality code deliv...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $240K *

Shape the future of customer experiences by leading software architecture and development across multiple product teams. Collaborate closely with UX and engineering to deliver innovative, AI-driven so...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K - $200K *

Champion the future of eco-friendly tech by building solutions for wildfire resilience. Collaborate with diverse teams in a remote-first startup to improve decision-making tools for land managers and...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by leading the development of production Generative AI solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, build, and optimize workflows, ensuring operational excellence a...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud database solutions. Leverage your expertise in AWS and Oracle to design, optimize, and maintain scalable databases for federal applications, collaboratin...

Sterling, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $200K *

Optimize our data infrastructure platform by enhancing automation, observability, and stability. Drive architectural changes to support long-term service requirements while ensuring high throughput an...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Full Stack Developer, driving technology modernization and digital transformation initiatives. Collaborate across disciplines to design, develop, and support secure enterprise...

Sterling, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...

Dover, DERemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$169K - $185K *

Champion the design and delivery of integrations and APIs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create secure, scalable, and user-friendly developer experiences that drive business impact and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer 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.