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.
(USA) Distinguished, Software Engineer
$169K - $338K *
Elevate your career by leading the design of scalable, AI-powered software systems. Drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating across teams to de...
1 week ago
(USA) Distinguished, Software Engineer
$156K - $312K *
Accelerate your career by leading the design and development of scalable, cloud-native AI systems. Drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating acr...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing data quality and governance. Contribute to building robust data platforms and ensure reliable data-driven decision-making through effective testing and automa...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Distinguished, Software Engineer
$130K - $260K *
Develop scalable, cloud-native AI systems, ensuring architectural integrity and operational excellence. Lead technical execution, mentor teams, and drive continuous improvement while fostering collabo...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of client solutions by leveraging your technical expertise and business acumen. Collaborate with sales teams to design tailored solutions, deliver compelling presentations, and drive...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Java Software Engineer (Library of Congress)
$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...
Reposted today
Senior Design Quality Engineer
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
4 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Software Defined Networking (SDN)
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer (R14285)
$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...
4 weeks ago
Software Delivery Lead (Senior)
$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...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Secret Clearance Eligible)
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Python
$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...
Reposted 6 days ago
AWS Technical Lead/Sr. Java/Angular Developer
$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...
1 week ago
Site Reliability Engineer Team Lead
$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...
Today
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Agentic SDLC
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Fullstack (App Experience)
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, SRE and Production Engineering - DGX Cloud
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
4 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.