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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$130K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative mobile solutions across Android and iOS. Take ownership of projects, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the broader tech stack while enhanci...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and build a robust data platform that enhances product performance and supports AI initiatives, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for internal and customer-facing...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $110K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic fintech company by building and maintaining services and APIs for a global payments platform. Collaborate with senior engineers to enhance your skills while delivering...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$170K - $220K *

Unlock potential by leading the integration of AI tools with PlanetScale databases. Own the developer experience, ensuring seamless functionality across platforms while creating engaging content to sh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by enhancing application security across web apps and APIs. Collaborate with engineering teams to assess risks, conduct reviews, and drive secure software practices throughout the dev...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion the development of impactful software solutions, collaborating across teams to enhance educational tools. Take ownership of code quality and performance, while mentoring peers and leveraging...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$66K - $128K *

Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...

San Jose, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement innovative data solutions, leveraging Azure Databricks and advanced ETL/ELT processes. Empower data-driven insights and mentor fellow engineers while enhanc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Build quality into impactful software solutions by shaping testing strategies, creating test plans, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliable, user-ready...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $210K *

Pioneer your career by leveraging your full-stack development expertise to design and implement innovative software solutions. Collaborate with teams to support critical federal missions through IT mo...

Virginia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$96K - $145K *

Accelerate your career by supporting critical mainframe applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and resolve complex issues, while driving continuous impro...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$155K - $173K *

Join a team that's driving engineering excellence by designing scalable systems, influencing cross-team initiatives, and delivering high-impact solutions while mentoring engineers and upholding high s...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$106K - $213K *

Oversee and enhance software engineering teams, ensuring delivery of secure, scalable solutions. Drive talent development, resource management, and engineering quality while collaborating with cross-f...

Tennessee, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Architect innovative solutions as a Senior Solutions Engineer, driving technical excellence in public sector engagements. Collaborate with clients to demonstrate product value, lead RFP responses, and...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by leading projects, mentoring engineers, and architecting innovative solutions that enhance performance and meet business goals in a coll...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Champion the architecture of Enterprise AI, guiding a senior remote team in building robust solutions across AI gateways, Kubernetes, and multi-service systems while mentoring engineers and engaging w...

Austin, TXRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate and implement robust disaster recovery solutions for enterprise DevOps, ensuring critical infrastructure recoverability. Oversee Jenkins, Bitbucket, and JFrog Artifactory environments while e...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Develop user-facing features and improve systems by leveraging software architecture, APIs, and cloud technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, maintainable solutions...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Empower your software engineering career by directing AI to deliver full-stack solutions. You'll manage end-to-end feature development, leveraging AWS and AI tools to enhance productivity and quality...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $150K *

Lead the charge in a hands-on data engineering role focused on Snowflake. Own technical solutions from discovery to production, guiding teams and clients through complex data challenges while optimizi...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Champion the management of mainframe outsourcing, ensuring optimal performance and vendor accountability while providing technical leadership and support for mainframe technologies across the organiza...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $254K *

Transform the digital dining experience by leading full-stack development efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance guest interactions through cutting-edge web solutio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform your career by leading the design and implementation of critical integrations that enhance system connectivity and performance. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality solutions tha...

Orlando, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to document data models, ETL processes, and BI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure accurate documentation and support effective data usage for the USME...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's transforming healthcare by leading the development of a high-performance Speech Platform. Leverage your audio expertise to mentor engineers, collaborate with scientists, and drive i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.