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.
Software Engineer, Mission Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Software Engineer II, collaborating with a dynamic team to design and develop innovative software solutions. Engage in agile processes, enhance your skills, and contribute t...
2 days ago
Principal Software Engineer, Platform (DevEx)
$263K - $395K *
Lead and influence AI-native technology initiatives, ensuring cohesive architectural standards across R&D. Deliver innovative solutions while mentoring engineering teams and shaping domain-wide practi...
Reposted today
Head of Testing and Automation
$150K - $180K *
Innovate testing and automation systems to enhance software release confidence. Lead technical direction, integrate AI for efficiency, and ensure reliable verification processes while fostering collab...
1 week ago
Software Engineer III - Full Stack (Drupal)
$105K - $110K *
Drive innovation as a Software Engineer III, enhancing full-stack capabilities and mentoring junior developers while collaborating with stakeholders to improve engineering processes and deliver impact...
Reposted 2 days ago
Software Engineer, Design Systems
$130K - $170K *
Lead the evolution of our design system by building accessible, reusable components and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and streamline adoption across products...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$106K - $213K *
Drive innovation in software development by leading teams to create cutting-edge digital solutions. Collaborate across functions to enhance application strategies, ensuring high-quality delivery and a...
Yesterday
Staff Software Development Engineer
$106K - $284K *
Join a team that’s redefining pharmacy and healthcare through innovative digital solutions. As a Staff Software Development Engineer, you'll lead in creating next-generation platforms, ensuring qualit...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$106K - $284K *
Champion the design and development of scalable applications, integrating AI and data systems. Lead technical strategy, mentor teams, and ensure operational excellence across the technology stack whil...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$106K - $284K *
Reimagine application development by leading architecture and scaling core systems. Drive AI integration, mentor teams, and ensure operational excellence across full-stack technologies while deliverin...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of automating workflows across teams by building AI agents using Claude and Microsoft Copilot. Collaborate with various departments to identify automation opportunities, ensuring securi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Interoperability
$169K - $220K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovative software solutions. Collaborate with engineers and healthcare professionals to build systems that enhance patient care and st...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $195K *
Engineer innovative solutions for Arista's EOS software, enhancing data center networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and debug features, ensuring high-quality softwar...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform client challenges into innovative solutions while mentoring teammates and driving tech excellence. Collaborate in a dynamic, non-hierarchical environment to inspire and elevate product engin...
Reposted 1 month ago
$80K - $150K *
Unlock secure customer experiences by designing and implementing identity solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance authentication processes, ensuring seamless onboarding and login...
6 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - Files Platform
$158K - $248K *
Unlock potential by architecting scalable file management solutions, integrating distributed systems, and ensuring secure access for enterprise customers. Collaborate across teams to enhance data acce...
1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer (DIRT)
$140K - $200K *
Join a team that's transforming enterprise security insights through innovative reporting and integrations. Collaborate with a passionate community to build features that matter, enhancing user safety...
Reposted today
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping the technical landscape of digital accessibility. Drive innovation by designing scalable systems that enhance user experience while mentoring engineers and collaborating acr...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Take ownership of impactful projects, designing and implementing robust backend systems with a high-performing team. Collaborate, innovate, and contribute to a culture of speed, quality, and continuou...
Reposted 1 week ago
(USA) Senior, Software Engineer
$90K - $180K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in enhancing mission-critical systems. As a Senior Software Engineer Full Stack, you'll ensure system reliability and scalability while improving customer experie...
Today
(USA) Senior, Software Engineer
$143K - $286K *
Transform the future of technology by driving AI-powered reliability and automation. Own platform scalability and observability while enhancing customer support excellence through innovative solutions...
2 weeks ago
(USA) Senior, Software Engineer
$143K - $286K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software engineering and reliability. You'll build AI-powered tools, enhance platform observability, and ensure service reliability while collaborating cross-f...
2 weeks ago
(USA) Senior, Software Engineer
$90K - $180K *
Shape the future of smart entertainment technology by leading the design and integration of scalable software solutions for HDMI-CEC and device interoperability, driving innovation and enhancing custo...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $175K *
Join a team that's redefining data solutions through innovative full-stack engineering. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects involving AI, big data, and efficient APIs, while fostering career growth i...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer (L2) - Platform Integrations
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing integration features across modern and legacy systems. You'll design APIs, deliver high-quality integrations, and collaborate with experienced engineers to dr...
3 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.