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.
Software Engineer II, Fullstack (Ads Platform)
$146K - $206K *
Unlock potential by leading software projects, collaborating with teams, and ensuring timely delivery while supporting product development and operational excellence in a dynamic environment...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer II, Fullstack (Ads Platform)
$133K - $183K *
Elevate your career by collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative web applications and APIs. Drive project success through effective communication, ownership of tasks, and a commi...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Customer Facing Applied AI
$158K - $248K *
Lead the charge in shaping cutting-edge AI solutions for clients by setting the technical direction, building innovative systems, and guiding product integration, all while mentoring engineers and inf...
1 month ago
$135K - $160K *
Elevate the design and development of a robust replication engine for large-scale data systems, focusing on high-performance, secure, and resilient asynchronous replication capabilities to ensure reli...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer II, Mobile (Card Acquisition)
$133K - $183K *
Engage in collaborative software development, breaking down projects into tasks, supporting product lifecycles, and ensuring operational excellence while fostering team growth and community...
2 weeks ago
Senior AI Delivery Engineer (Remote)
$175K - $195K *
Shape the future of enterprise AI solutions by leading technical delivery and client engagement. Utilize your expertise in AI platforms to create measurable outcomes and drive adoption, while collabor...
Yesterday
Senior System Software Engineer - Security
$152K - $287K *
Champion security excellence by investigating vulnerabilities and enhancing Secure Development Lifecycle practices across data center software platforms, driving timely remediation and fostering colla...
3 days ago
Senior Database Platform Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Empower business innovation by architecting and automating robust database platforms. Collaborate across teams to enhance data provisioning, security, and performance, ensuring scalable solutions that...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop and enhance software solutions, collaborating with senior developers to ensure alignment with industry standards and methodologies. Engage in all phases of the development process while workin...
1 week ago
$90K - $120K *
Join our dynamic engineering team to develop scalable software solutions that enhance platform functionality and performance, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality code and...
Yesterday
$117K - $189K *
Lead the charge in establishing a modern quality-engineering practice, driving automation strategy and framework development while mentoring teams to enhance release readiness and quality metrics acro...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Platform
$150K - $180K *
Lead and grow a high-performing platform engineering team, setting vision and roadmap while collaborating with cross-functional leaders to enhance product velocity and reliability for enterprise custo...
2 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Frontend
$138K - $165K *
Transform the future of pharmacy operations by leading the development of scalable, reliable front-end solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive technica...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Engineer/Tech Lead, Data & AI Engineering
$150K - $188K *
Elevate your career by designing and building innovative data solutions that empower genomic research and analysis. Collaborate with scientists in a fast-paced R&D environment to support impactful dis...
Reposted 1 month ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...
4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer- AI Platform
$150K - $180K *
Develop and manage scalable AI infrastructure solutions, ensuring secure access to foundation models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance platform capabilities and drive AI adoption whi...
1 week ago
Sr Program Manager, Client Delivery
$155K - $180K *
Drive successful delivery of complex, multi-year programs in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage scope, budget, and timelines while ensuring client satisfaction an...
3 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer, RSX (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Champion innovation in aerospace as a technical authority, leading system architecture and integration for advanced interceptor products while ensuring mission success and technical integrity across m...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager- Eng and Data Platforms (Remote)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team by overseeing operations, mentoring staff, and aligning product vision with business needs. Drive high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced environment while promotin...
Reposted 1 week ago
$190K - $267K *
Shape the future of app advertising by enhancing backend systems for conversion signals. Drive MMP integrations, SKAN processing, and App CAPI to ensure reliable app installs and in-app events for adv...
5 days ago
Sr Manager Technology - API Platform
$173K - $211K *
Champion the execution of API strategies, leading teams to deliver secure enterprise APIs and innovative solutions while aligning technology with business goals and fostering a high-performing enginee...
Today
$230K - $368K *
Shape the future of high-scale SaaS solutions by leading architectural design, guiding teams, and driving impactful software strategies in a collaborative environment that values innovation and mentor...
Reposted today
$140K - $170K *
Lead the charge in integrating AI capabilities across enterprise platforms, enhancing digital services for Veterans. Collaborate with teams to implement innovative solutions while ensuring security an...
2 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Elevate quality assurance by designing robust testing strategies, creating automation frameworks, and integrating quality at every stage of software development. Lead teams to ensure top-tier software...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Data Software Engineer/ AWS, Databricks, PySpark
$130K - $155K *
Engineer robust data exchange solutions across regions, ensuring compliance and security. Develop scalable backend services and data pipelines while collaborating globally with cross-functional teams...
1 month 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.