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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

North Carolina, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Warren, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Calgary, ABRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Manitoba, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.