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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$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

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design and optimization of scalable ETL/ELT pipelines while enhancing data integration and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive architectural decisions and automate workf...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform healthcare by engineering seamless data integrations between complex EHR systems and our innovative platform. Empower clinicians with actionable insights to enhance patient care and outcomes...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading a high-impact Developer Infrastructure team. Drive technical strategy, enhance developer experience, and foster a culture of growth and accountability while collaborat...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Elevate our DevOps capabilities by automating build and deployment processes, ensuring platform health, and enhancing monitoring tools. Collaborate with teams to implement secure, scalable solutions i...

Washington, DCRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to streamline operations by transforming manual tasks into efficient automation solutions. Leverage your expertise in Ansible, Terraform, and CI/CD to enhance productivity across diver...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $262K *

Take ownership of software architecture and development to create scalable, user-centric applications. Lead comprehensive development initiatives while optimizing performance and mentoring engineers i...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$181K - $241K *

Advance the technical strategy for mobile app infrastructure, collaborating across teams to enhance operations and ensure sustainability, while mentoring talent and promoting quality standards in a dy...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $136K *

Elevate your career by designing and developing high-performance systems that ensure security and reliability at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and optimize solutions that...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $203K *

Innovate and deliver robust software solutions in a dynamic healthcare environment. Lead end-to-end service development, CI/CD management, and cloud deployment while collaborating with cross-functiona...

Rhode Island, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Transform technology solutions by leading cross-functional teams to innovate across ServiceNow, Salesforce, and AI platforms, delivering mission-critical applications and strategic program management...

Chantilly, VARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$188K - $235K *

Develop AI-powered systems from concept to production, collaborating with clients to identify needs, prototype solutions, and ensure quality. Engage closely with users to iterate and enhance product f...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Empower top-tier enterprise customers by architecting secure development practices and guiding complex DevSecOps transformations. Serve as a trusted advisor to drive adoption, retention, and measurabl...

Boston, MARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$166K - $230K *

Innovate and enhance the machine learning infrastructure to empower rapid model deployment and automation. Collaborate across teams to streamline operations and drive impactful solutions in ML and fin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$124K - $170K *

Lead the charge in innovative software solutions for healthcare, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance patient care and meet customer needs through cutting-edge technology and creative problem-s...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$152K - $287K *

Engineer robust policy verification features for AI governance, ensuring accurate policy decisions and reliable integrations. Collaborate with security engineers to deliver production-ready components...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Transform the future of automation solutions by engineering real-time controls and information systems across manufacturing environments. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance operational efficie...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's innovating real-time automation solutions across industries. As a Systems Engineer, you'll develop and implement cutting-edge controls, mentor peers, and enhance operational efficie...

Raleigh, NCRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Optimize real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, implement, and enhance systems using diverse programming and design to...

Richmond, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$114K - $179K *

Drive innovative technical solutions by partnering with sales teams to address complex client needs and elevate engineering workflows, ensuring successful integration of products throughout the sales...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $216K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering with AI at its core. You'll design and build innovative solutions for aging parents, ensuring they stay connected and independent while shaping future vertica...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of geospatial science by leading the design and development of innovative data processing pipelines and APIs, while mentoring engineers and setting technical direction in a dynamic, m...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $254K *

Transform connected systems by designing and deploying advanced anomaly detection models. Lead a team to build robust pipelines, ensuring real-time analysis and integration across AI and engineering t...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Full Stack Software Engineer, where you'll design, build, and enhance tools for public agencies. Collaborate across the tech stack to solve real-world problems and drive impac...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.