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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$208K - $429K *

Transform data ecosystems by leading strategic initiatives for data warehouses, analytics tools, and governance, driving impactful solutions for complex business challenges at scale while mentoring en...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform healthcare data solutions by designing scalable architectures, optimizing data pipelines, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$186K - $236K *

Lead the design and development of scalable payment solutions, shaping the future of money movement for small businesses. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver resilient engineering solutions whil...

Washington, DCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $176K *

Engineer innovative solutions as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and technical excellence for a global web platform while enhancing digital customer experiences through advanced AI integr...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$172K - $260K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the development of AI retrieval systems and agent infrastructure, driving innovation and quality in AI applications while collaborating across functions to enhance performa...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $170K *

Advance your career by leading a dynamic team in developing secure access solutions. Drive technical direction, manage project delivery, and mentor engineers while balancing customer reliability with...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$107K - $204K *

Transform data governance by designing and developing automation solutions that enhance metadata management and data quality processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align engineering e...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance Salesforce capabilities in a federal environment. Collaborate with government leads to optimize testing processes, ensuring quality and compliance throughout the Salesfo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$75K - $158K *

Join a dynamic team to ensure the quality and compliance of Oracle HCM systems across federal agencies. Design and execute test strategies, automate testing processes, and validate integrations, ensur...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $189K *

Advance your career by ensuring quality and compliance for a federal HCM platform. Design and execute test strategies, manage automated testing, and validate performance within a SAFe Agile framework...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $144K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable generative AI services, ensuring architectural integrity and mentoring teams. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$227K *

Join a team that's building innovative software solutions and APIs, enhancing customer experiences through reliable backend services and integrations. Collaborate in a dynamic environment focused on q...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic engineering team, tackling complex technical challenges while delivering high-quality code. Own architectural decisions and enhance integration across services in a co...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $287K *

Join a team that's redefining data processing by designing and operating a hosted Spark service on Kubernetes, enhancing GPU acceleration for enterprise applications, and driving production excellence...

Champaign, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$171K - $300K *

Take ownership of architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for Access Security, enhancing identity intelligence and risk detection while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $200K *

Empower mission-critical federal systems by leading the design and automation of secure cloud platforms. Drive reliability, mentor engineers, and set technical direction in a collaborative environment...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $112K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects within the Education portfolio, ensuring effective coordination across teams and stakeholders while driving impactful outcomes in higher education and appl...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Reimagine data governance by shaping a robust framework that empowers teams to define, manage, and optimize data products with clear accountability, streamlined workflows, and effective collaboration...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of data technology, transforming businesses through strategic data solutions. Drive impactful projects, collaborate with industry leaders, and unlock data potenti...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$133K - $146K *

Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...

Maryland, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Design and build innovative web applications and APIs, taking ownership of projects from architecture to deployment. Collaborate with a dynamic team to leverage AI tools and deliver impactful solution...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$141K - $177K *

Join us to shape the future of cybersecurity by leading product vision and strategy for our innovative Autonomous and Continuous pentesting platform, driving impactful solutions that enhance security...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock AI-driven engineering transformation by collaborating with clients to enhance SDLC processes. Drive measurable improvements in delivery speed and quality through innovative solutions and hands...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K *

Drive the development of a cutting-edge platform, enhancing integrations and architecture for payroll and HR systems. Collaborate closely with a small team to ensure a successful launch and ongoing im...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$190K - $267K *

Champion innovation by leading cross-functional teams to design and deliver scalable, high-performance infrastructure solutions that enhance reliability and efficiency across diverse applications and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

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.