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.
Senior Manager - Software Development Engineering
$106K - $284K *
Drive innovative software development strategies while leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Foster collaboration, mentor talent, and manage project timelines to achieve or...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in insurance technology by transforming Gosu customizations into Java. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable backend services and APIs, enhancing the Guidewire Cl...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack, Angular, Java, AWS
$128K - $170K *
Advance your career by designing and delivering scalable software solutions. Collaborate with teams to address challenges while enhancing product quality and performance in the healthcare supply chain...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading full-stack Java development teams to drive innovative AI solutions. Lead architecture and design while mentoring engineers, ensuring scalable and secure enterprise systems...
4 weeks ago
SENIOR DATA OPERATIONS ENGINEER
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in data analysis to drive operational excellence in healthcare. Collaborate across teams to interpret complex datasets and ensure compliance with regulato...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Ads Manager
$168K - $177K *
Empower advertisers by leading high-impact projects that enhance campaign management, optimize platform health, and drive revenue growth through innovative backend services and APIs. Collaborate acros...
1 week ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Empower quality through engineering excellence and automation. Drive innovation by integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, collaborating with teams to elevate software standards and preven...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative infrastructure solutions for scalable deployments, collaborating with customers to refine requirements, and enhancing operational efficiency through automation a...
Reposted today
Manager, Software Engineering - Engineering Tools
$120K - $148K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AEC software by leading engineering talent and enhancing workflows. Drive innovation in Autodesk Revit add-ins and tools while fostering a collaborative enviro...
2 weeks ago
$69K - $107K *
Champion client success by leveraging technical expertise to enhance platform value, optimize workflows, and drive measurable outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative so...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead the charge in managing AWS co-sell relationships, driving demand generation, and executing strategies to close deals. Collaborate with AWS account teams and ScaleOps AEs to optimize pipeline perf...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Development Engineer - Data Analytics
$106K - $213K *
Elevate digital engineering by designing and implementing scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving innovation in data analytics projects to meet business obj...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Software Engineer, collaborating with a seasoned team to tackle complex challenges. Drive product development in a fully remote environment, focusing on user n...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director of Software Engineering, Platform Services
$208K - $306K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading platform services that enhance software development. Drive innovation, consolidate capabilities, and foster a culture of collaboration t...
4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, AI Systems
$188K - $265K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI infrastructure by leading technical direction, ensuring platform architecture meets company ambitions, and fostering collaboration across engineering teams f...
Reposted today
Staff Software Engineer, Tech Lead, Payroll Onboarding
$193K - $309K *
Innovate scalable software solutions for payroll onboarding, enhancing functionality and reliability. Collaborate with diverse teams, mentor peers, and drive improvements in engineering productivity w...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Digital Experience Engineer (Web Development) – Military OneSource
$95K - $115K *
Transform digital experiences for military families by developing secure, responsive websites and applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user engagement and accessibility whi...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Commercial Navigation
$130K - $260K *
Shape the future of fleet navigation by owning end-to-end projects, delivering high-quality software across platforms, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance user experiences in complex envir...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Data Ops and Services Programmer
$100K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of our data infrastructure by optimizing databases, leading projects, and collaborating with teams to ensure data integrity and scalability in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Maps Services
$162K - $290K *
Shape the technical direction of a geospatial platform, building scalable systems and APIs that enhance location-aware experiences across products, while collaborating with teams to drive innovation a...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading full stack development for e-commerce and consumer apps. Collaborate across teams to innovate with AI, ensuring quality and performance while mentoring engineers and shapin...
1 week ago
Senior AWS Python Developer / Ops Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Drive the design and development of resilient AWS serverless services, collaborating with senior engineers to enhance platform capabilities while ensuring operational excellence and high-quality autom...
1 month ago
Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Central Growth
$175K - $210K *
Innovate and lead the technical vision for large-scale product systems, driving cross-functional initiatives and engineering excellence while mentoring teams to enhance growth and impact across multip...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager - Code Translation & Developer Tooling
$125K - $150K *
Take ownership of product strategy and execution, driving innovation in code transformation across diverse technical domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions for...
2 weeks ago
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.