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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$120K - $145K *

Drive partner success by providing expert technical guidance, leading complex implementations, and mentoring junior engineers. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product adoption and ensure opt...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative security solutions, collaborating with sales teams to educate clients on overcoming operational challenges and enhancing their cybersecurity posture through ta...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, collaborating with sales teams to educate clients on challenges and deliver tailored strategies that enhance organizational safety and operation...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $198K *

Transform customer security by collaborating with sales to identify needs, demonstrating solutions, and educating partners on best practices in cybersecurity. Drive engagement through meetings and eve...

Vancouver, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $198K *

Partner with us to drive customer engagement by delivering tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges, and enhancing operational safety through expert collaboration with sales and pa...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $219K *

Transform laboratory experiences by designing user-centered software for Cell Analysis and automation. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to create intuitive solutions that enhance workflows an...

San Francisco, CARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $204K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading engineering teams, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Oversee technical execution and ensure alignmen...

Portland, MERemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Elevate cybersecurity by designing and implementing robust security protocols, ensuring compliance across cloud infrastructure while managing IAM, PKI, and secrets management to protect fintech worklo...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of cloud security by architecting and implementing robust controls across multi-region AWS environments, ensuring compliance and maintaining high security standards for fintech worklo...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovation in digital experiences by building and optimizing high-performing web applications. Collaborate with creative teams to enhance customer engagement across platforms while managing the...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$128K - $153K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of technology by delivering impactful software solutions. Collaborate on innovative projects, optimize data operations, and enhance user experiences while support...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation by developing AI-driven software solutions that enhance secure application delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of softw...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $140K *

Drive your career with a hands-on role that bridges technical deployment, integration, and customer engagement. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, troubleshoot complex issues, and e...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $157K *

Drive your career forward by leading complex software projects, collaborating with diverse teams, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver high-quality solutions that meet client needs and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $225K *

Champion the development of a GPU-accelerated compute platform, enhancing AI training and research capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design orchestration systems that optimize r...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$218K - $286K *

Unlock potential by leading the mobile QA infrastructure for our greenfield app project. Drive automation, establish quality standards, and partner cross-functionally to ensure excellence in product d...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative web and cloud applications. In this role, you'll lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver hi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovation by bridging Support and Engineering teams, analyzing complex client issues, and ensuring effective resolutions. Own escalations from start to finish, enhancing collaboration and deliv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage with sales teams to identify prospects and demonstrate solutions that enhance organizational security. Educate clients on challenges and drive meetings to provide tailored solutions, ensuring e...

St. Louis, MORemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $163K *

Empower your career by driving innovative software solutions through end-to-end development, collaborating with Agile teams, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance product quality and eff...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in enhancing organizational security by developing security frameworks, assessing controls, and collaborating with technical teams to create a resilient security architecture for moder...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Innovate your career by leading the development of backend systems and APIs that empower customer interactions. Collaborate across teams to drive technical solutions and mentor engineers, ensuring sea...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$205K - $231K *

Join a team that's redefining software supply chain security. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll lead backend system design, API development, and cross-team collaboration, driving impactful solution...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.