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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$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

$128K - $214K *

Empower cross-functional teams to deliver complex technical programs, ensuring alignment with business goals. Lead planning, execution, and stakeholder communication while fostering a collaborative en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$151K - $309K *

Lead the charge in transforming care agent tools, enhancing system reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement solutions that streamline support proces...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$405K - $485K *

Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team of software engineers focused on product development and system performance. Engage in coding, debugging, and implementing automated tests while collaborating on algorithms and enh...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$90K - $110K *

Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...

Puerto Rico, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $120K *

Unlock potential by serving as a technical partner to sales, providing expertise in automation solutions. Manage application opportunities, engage with customers, and recommend improvements to align t...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in verifying embedded flight software, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop testing strategies, create effective tooling, and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $206K *

Join a dynamic team to build secure customer authentication features, enhancing user experiences across B2C and B2B platforms. Collaborate with engineers to develop backend services and APIs, ensuring...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$133K - $183K *

Elevate your career by contributing to core CIAM capabilities, building secure backend services for customer authentication. Collaborate with experienced engineers to deliver reliable identity feature...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Engage in advanced engineering of the ServiceNow platform, driving stability and scalability. Collaborate with teams to implement upgrades and integrations, utilizing modern practices to enhance servi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Pioneer the development of secure platform capabilities for enterprise clients, collaborating across teams to define product scope, manage complex requirements, and ensure successful delivery in highl...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for DoD personnel, enhancing program and financial management capabilities. Collaborate within a product team to modernize technology and deli...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$212K - $265K *

Inspire a thriving community by leading Developer Advocates to amplify customer voices, enhance technical narratives, and foster engagement through strategic programs and collaboration across teams, d...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Unlock your potential as a key player in software development, leading projects from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance applications, optimize performance, and dr...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $280K *

Engage with us to lead complex software initiatives, driving technical excellence and mentoring teams. You'll shape architecture, tackle challenges, and deliver high-performance solutions that support...

Florida, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of autonomous driving by leading trajectory generation and controls. Collaborate across teams to deliver safe, optimized solutions while enhancing vehicle performance through innovati...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$217K - $303K *

Innovate the future of iOS development by architecting scalable solutions for Reddit's mobile app. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and enhance developer efficiency to support 100M+ DAUs wh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$85K - $120K *

Elevate your career by joining our Innovation team as a Software Engineer. Collaborate on Proofs-of-Concept and drive features through the full software development lifecycle, from design to deploymen...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $120K *

Join a team that's focused on innovative software development, tackling various layers of the tech stack. You'll engage in documentation, automated testing, and debugging, while optimizing performance...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the maintenance and support of existing software products while ensuring stability and responsiveness to customer needs. Collaborate across teams to enhance features and contribute to future...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$96K - $148K *

Lead the charge in designing and building secure integrations for enterprise ITSM platforms. Analyze data flows, enhance system connections, and ensure compliance while delivering resilient solutions...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 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.