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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$130K - $170K *

Champion innovative solutions by designing and implementing core platform features, driving the transition to microservices, and collaborating across teams to enhance scalability and flexibility in Io...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$115K - $135K *

Lead the charge in developing high-quality software solutions, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance systems and deliver impactful results in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $161K *

Join us to ensure the highest quality standards for our FDA-cleared AI clinical platform. Collaborate across teams to drive software design quality, manage regulatory compliance, and enhance post-mark...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$94K - $179K *

Lead quality initiatives by optimizing test strategies and automation processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality software delivery while mentoring engineers and driving...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$81K - $138K *

Unlock the potential of automated testing and quality assurance for a federal agency's data and AI/ML platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure release readiness and enhance system p...

Alabama, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$148K - $201K *

Lead the charge in enhancing software-defined networking capabilities by assessing, modernizing, and securing codebases. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure robust, maintainable soft...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Transform business challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging AI and engineering expertise. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities, develop full-stack applications, and drive...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive engineering excellence by designing and building scalable platform services that enhance developer productivity and system reliability, while mentoring teammates and improving technical practice...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in software delivery by directing architecture, engineering, and Agile teams to ensure secure, high-quality software solutions meet operational readiness and stakeholder needs across m...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge AI systems by leveraging your expertise in Go and Python. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize and refine scalable services, ensuring high performance and u...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Lead the development team to enhance and support web and integration platforms. Collaborate with UX/UI and product teams to deliver scalable solutions while coaching full stack developers and resolvin...

Chester, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$170K - $200K *

Advance backend solutions and frontend features, collaborating across teams to build scalable systems and AI integrations, driving product growth from conception to execution...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$131K - $178K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Agile team in developing enterprise applications. Leverage your AWS expertise and hands-on coding skills to drive innovation and mentor developers while ensu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining reliability in multi-cloud environments. Lead and mentor an SRE team, ensuring performance and security while driving improvements in technology and client experience acr...

Bedford, NHRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $160K *

Unlock potential by driving the evolution of AWS environments and CI/CD pipelines, enhancing observability and security, while collaborating with engineers to optimize platform reliability and perform...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $185K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$173K - $233K *

Unlock innovative solutions as you collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences on mobile and web platforms. Drive impactful projects, support product development, and contribute to a thriving...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$184K - $287K *

Transform production infrastructure by automating bare-metal provisioning and enhancing GPU capacity management. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in AI workloads, driving...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Drive innovation in backend development and blockchain infrastructure, shaping the future of global payments. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and scale solutions to millions while...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$138K - $218K *

Unlock the potential of data by designing scalable architectures and solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system efficiency and drive strategic decisions while mentoring junio...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $307K *

Take ownership of critical technical programs, transforming strategic business objectives into actionable systems solutions while leading cross-functional teams to optimize and enhance platform perfor...

Seattle, WARemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $170K *

Develop and enhance Python services for pharmacy claims processing. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality solutions while gaining expertise in the pharmacy benefits domain. Embrace a hybrid...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $245K *

Champion innovation by leading a dynamic engineering team to automate financial data extraction, enhancing model accuracy and efficiency for clients. Drive impactful solutions that empower analysts to...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$152K - $287K *

Join a team that builds and operates large-scale GPU infrastructure for AI workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automation and tools, ensuring reliability and efficiency in pr...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$172K - $215K *

Advance your career by leading software development initiatives, driving architecture design, and optimizing performance in a collaborative environment. Engage with cross-functional teams to deliver s...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 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.