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.
$115K - $175K *
Join a strategic team as you oversee complex web projects, drive digital initiatives, and promote best practices, all while collaborating across functions. Make a real-world impact while shaping the f...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, GTM Systems (SalesTech)
$201K - $263K *
Lead a globally distributed engineering team to architect and scale enterprise-level Go-To-Market systems, ensuring seamless integration across Salesforce and other platforms while fostering a culture...
3 days ago
Senior Computer Systems Validation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform validation processes by ensuring compliance and data integrity for computerized systems in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies and mentor junior members whi...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Research Infrastructure & Lab Platforms - Government Customer
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Developer Intermediate (Remote Ontario)
$90K - $110K *
Champion the development and implementation of innovative applications. Collaborate across teams to optimize solutions throughout the Software Development Lifecycle while maintaining high standards of...
4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - 340B Check
$170K - $200K *
Lead technical direction for a healthcare data team, driving architectural decisions and cross-team initiatives to enhance compliance and operational efficiency. Elevate team performance while solving...
1 week ago
Program Manager, Onsite Data Collection
$110K - $130K *
Explore the dynamic role of a Program Manager, overseeing end-to-end data collection programs. Drive operational excellence, client satisfaction, and strategic execution in a fast-paced environment, e...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in designing and building impactful backend services and APIs that enhance customer experiences across multiple products, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$157K - $184K *
Drive impactful backend services and APIs for customer-facing platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product features in a fast-paced, product-driven environment. Embrace qual...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Team Lead (Forward Deployed)
$125K - $150K *
Drive engineering excellence as a Software Engineer Team Lead, guiding a team while collaborating with enterprise clients to create innovative, scalable solutions. Balance hands-on coding and mentorin...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$195K - $257K *
Join a team that's enhancing blockchain infrastructure to enable scalable microservices and APIs. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation in payment systems and blockchain technology while ensuri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
PCIe Senior/Lead Software Engineer
$120K - $195K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of PCIe technology, enhancing high-speed communication between hardware components. Collaborate with engineers to optimize performance and reliability in cutting-ed...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Optimize runtime authorization strategies across diverse segments, driving technical wins and enabling Sales Engineers. Leverage deep IAM and PAM expertise to deliver impactful solutions, ensuring com...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Dev Ops
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by architecting scalable infrastructures, automating CI/CD processes, and enhancing operational excellence through collaboration and innovation...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Backend Software Engineer
$149K - $235K *
Lead complex backend projects from design to launch, tackling architecture challenges and mentoring junior developers. Collaborate across teams to drive initiatives and ensure high-quality code throug...
3 weeks ago
Senior Customer Onboarding Engineer
$126K - $140K *
Shape the future of customer success by owning technical onboarding, guiding clients through implementation, optimizing deployments, and ensuring adherence to best practices for optimal use of the pla...
1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive customer-centric solutions by translating analytics needs into actionable opportunities. Collaborate with Account Executives to enhance client relationships and deliver impactful presentations...
2 days ago
$132K - $264K *
Drive innovation by leading software development initiatives, mentoring teams, and delivering scalable, cloud-native solutions. Collaborate across functions to ensure alignment with business goals whi...
1 week ago
Lead Engineer - Payments Platform
$206K - $260K *
Drive the future of financial technology by designing scalable payment solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational excellence and deliver impactful services that support...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Fulfillment
$168K - $177K *
Engineer robust backend systems that enhance logistics efficiency, ensuring timely order fulfillment and shopper compensation. Collaborate across teams to drive platform best practices and elevate sof...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead engineers in delivering high-quality technology. Drive performance, resource planning, and best practices across the SDLC while fostering a culture of collaboration and...
1 week ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, NeMo Helix Core Platform
$170K - $275K *
Champion the development of advanced AI systems by designing and optimizing a flexible Agent Execution framework that integrates seamlessly with various compute environments, empowering teams to condu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate by developing scalable applications and data pipelines, leveraging Python and cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize enterprise systems and enhance backend serv...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Architect robust CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure while driving innovation in geospatial science. Collaborate on AI architecture and ensure compliance-ready deployments across multi-cloud envi...
1 week 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.