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 *

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

$115K - $228K *

Drive innovation by leading software design and development teams, ensuring high-quality applications through complex analysis, testing, and stakeholder collaboration. Mentor junior engineers while ma...

Baltimore, MDRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining cloud infrastructure by designing, automating, and securing enterprise platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement CI/CD pipelines and cloud-native so...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your potential as a Lead Data Software Engineer, driving innovative data solutions and leading cross-functional teams to enhance our data infrastructure and ensure scalability and performance a...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $124K *

Transform software solutions by designing, developing, and enhancing applications in an agile environment. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality, scalable systems while ensuring transparency...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$145K - $225K *

Lead the charge in software development, driving innovation and collaboration across teams. Oversee strategic planning and team development to enhance product quality and efficiency, while fostering a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$211K - $257K *

Pioneer our pre-sales function as a Senior Solutions Engineer, shaping strategies and best practices while collaborating with teams to deliver tailored technical solutions and drive customer success a...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the architecture of certificate lifecycle management capabilities that enhance security across complex environments, collaborating with product and engineering teams to build scalable systems tha...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $185K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality backend services, integrating new partners, and enhancing workflows. Leverage your extensive experience to architect solutions that support a dy...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Innovate AI-driven systems that enhance clinical and operational workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, elevate care delivery, and build scalable infrastructure in...

New York City, NYRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable software solutions, designing responsive UIs, and optimizing backend services. Collaborate across functions to drive innovation and champion best pr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Innovate within the AI Platform team by designing and operating core components for AI-driven solutions, focusing on model serving, agentic infrastructure, or observability. Collaborate across teams t...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$232K - $341K *

Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for enterprise architecture, focusing on AI integration and cloud migration. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex challenges and drive innovat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Champion the modernization of enterprise data tiers by automating database reliability engineering across hybrid cloud environments, enhancing performance, and ensuring high availability for mission-c...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $215K *

Empower the engineering team by driving project execution and integration for advanced vehicle development. Ensure alignment of resources, schedules, and technical goals while fostering collaboration...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $150K *

Drive AI-native software development by architecting systems, guiding AI agents, and ensuring quality. Collaborate closely with users to transform business needs into reliable, efficient solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $322K *

Build and operate core infrastructure services for global AI platforms, developing secure cloud-native solutions and orchestrating automation to enhance reliability and scalability in a collaborative...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $128K *

Develop engaging web-based training content and tools, ensuring accessibility and compliance. Collaborate on UI enhancements and create metrics dashboards to track user adoption for a federal data int...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's focused on optimizing Active Directory and Group Policy management. You'll implement automation, manage Windows Server lifecycles, and enhance operational efficiency through scripti...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$163K - $224K *

Help us lead and develop a senior Cloud Engineering team focused on operational excellence, infrastructure stability, and impactful migration programs that drive growth and efficiency within our cloud...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$224K - $431K *

Unlock the potential of large-scale Machine Learning systems by automating GPU asset management and enhancing reliability through innovative monitoring and integration with engineering teams across cl...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Lead the development of innovative Generative AI solutions, overseeing end-to-end processes from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise systems and ensure...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $185K *

Champion innovative data solutions by leveraging AI expertise to enhance product discovery, streamline processes, and drive strategic improvements across cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment wit...

Virginia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to drive technical success and adoption across enterprise accounts. Leverage your expertise in project management and technical execution to enhance deployment health and fuel acco...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.