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.
Sr. Staff Software Engineer, Data Product Platform
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 2 days ago
Lead Engineer - Payments Platform
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - Marketing 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...
Yesterday
Software Engineering SMTS / LMTS - AI Core (REMOTE)
$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...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Secure Access
$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...
2 weeks ago
Automation Engineer - Data Governance
$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...
2 days ago
Salesforce Quality Assurance Tester
$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...
1 week ago
HCM Test Automation & Quality Engineer
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
HCM Test Automation & Quality Engineer
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Backend Software Engineer - Focus Funds and AI
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Software Engineer - Accelerated Spark Applications
$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...
1 week ago
Sr Staff Software Engineer- Access Security - Veza
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Today
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
1 month ago
$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...
1 month ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer (Full Stack)
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Product Manager
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Infrastructure Engineering
$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...
Yesterday
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.