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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$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...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Ithaca, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.