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.
Staff Software Development Engineer - Digital
$118K - $236K *
Transform enterprise healthcare solutions by leading the design and delivery of scalable software products. Drive engineering excellence and cross-team collaboration to deliver high-impact results ali...
Today
$120K - $140K *
Lead a dynamic software engineering team, ensuring quality delivery and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across business units and driving innovation in energy efficiency solutions...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer - QA Automation
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of quality assurance by leading automated testing initiatives for cloud-based ERP systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance across various business processes and upgrades...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer III, MuleSoft
$127K - $213K *
Transform integration solutions by designing and developing robust MuleSoft applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery and optimize performance while mentori...
1 week ago
$85K - $95K *
Engage in the development and execution of automated testing strategies, ensuring software quality through comprehensive test plans and scripts. Collaborate with teams to maintain CI/CD pipelines and...
Today
$85K - $95K *
Transform your career by joining our team as a Test Automation Engineer, where you'll develop automated testing solutions, ensure software quality, and support user acceptance testing in a collaborati...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Innovate with us as a Test Automation Engineer, driving quality through automated testing, CI/CD integration, and user acceptance support. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to enhance software reli...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as a Test Automation Engineer, driving quality through automated testing, defect management, and CI/CD integration. Collaborate with teams to ensure software excellence and suppo...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Drive quality assurance by creating and maintaining automated test suites, executing comprehensive testing strategies, and ensuring software readiness through meticulous defect management and reportin...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Champion the development of automated testing solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create test plans, execute testing strategies...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance software quality through automated testing. You'll develop test plans, maintain CI/CD suites, and ensure release readiness while supporting UAT and compliance testing. D...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through automation. You'll develop test plans, maintain automated testing suites, and ensure release readiness while collaborating closely wi...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through automation. You'll develop test plans, maintain automated suites, and ensure release readiness while collaborating in a dynamic, remo...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Drive quality assurance by developing automated test suites and executing comprehensive testing strategies. Collaborate with teams to ensure software reliability and compliance, while maintaining a fo...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as you engineer automated testing solutions, ensuring software quality through comprehensive test plans and scripts. Collaborate in a CI/CD environment, supporting UAT and maintain...
2 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Champion the development of automated testing solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create test plans and execute comprehensive te...
2 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer II, DevEx
$154K - $260K *
Develop AI-driven workflows to enhance CI/CD systems, ensuring safe, efficient software delivery. Collaborate with teams to reduce tech debt and improve production reliability while scaling engineerin...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Lead the charge in quality engineering for critical assessment platforms, driving testing excellence and automation maturity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and scalabil...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate closely with teams to create high-quality applications while adapting to new tools and process...
1 week ago
Software Engineer (Contractor)
$110K - $130K *
Build innovative technology solutions for Equity Portfolio Management. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance functionality and maintain high software quality, while leveraging modern practices and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Manager - Software Development Engineering S 4D
$80K - $100K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic project initiatives while fostering a cultur...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Developer Experience
$193K - $309K *
Pioneer innovative developer experiences by setting technical direction and enhancing workflows. Collaborate across teams to design solutions that empower engineers, leveraging AI to redefine software...
2 weeks ago
$165K - $185K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and implementation of innovative digital solutions for Veteran healthcare services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise applicatio...
2 days ago
$180K - $229K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...
1 week 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.