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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$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...

Mountain View, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Georgia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Georgia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$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...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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...

Bentonville, ARRemote

Today

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

$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...

Bentonville, ARRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.