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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1
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$153K - $213K *

Champion the development of a key platform, driving strategy, success metrics, and technical depth while collaborating across teams to deliver impactful solutions that meet customer needs and enhance...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team to innovate and deliver world-class financial products. Leverage your engineering expertise to tackle complex challenges, enhance team collaboration, and drive impactful solutions...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Engineer and enhance the 1035YellowPages platform as a senior developer, responsible for full-stack development and client integration. Lead efforts in code ownership, debugging, and support while lev...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $356K *

Shape the future of AI by enhancing integration and deployment within a complex Kubernetes software stack, ensuring reliability and performance across cutting-edge technologies...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career with innovative AI-driven automation solutions that enhance IT operations and user experience. Collaborate across teams to minimize manual tasks, improve efficiency, and implement in...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$245K - $260K *

Lead technical solutions for U.S. Army accounts, enhancing digital performance and visibility. Collaborate with executives to develop strategies, conduct presentations, and address complex challenges...

Abell, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$93K - $139K *

Explore the intersection of technology and strategy as you drive complex, cross-functional initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance project delivery, leveraging AI tools to optimize proc...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Drive the development of scalable backend systems and infrastructure for AI platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance automation, reliability, and performance while mentoring peers...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Elevate customer experiences by serving as a technical liaison, driving revenue growth through innovative solutions and expert support in the Precision Medicine sector. Collaborate with sales teams to...

New York, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $110K *

Elevate your career as a CyberArk SME/DevOps Engineer, implementing secure solutions for federal modernization. Leverage your expertise in privileged access management to drive best practices and enha...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Take ownership of a fully distributed engineering team, driving delivery, quality, and growth while fostering a culture of communication and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional p...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Lead a distributed engineering team to deliver high-quality software solutions. Foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement while collaborating with cross-functional partners to drive bus...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives by overseeing computer system validation processes, ensuring compliance with GxP regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance validation pr...

Kentucky, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$242K - $275K *

Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $132K *

Join a dynamic team to design and optimize high-performance databases, build Python ETL pipelines, and support AI initiatives, ensuring data integrity and efficiency for consumer-facing applications...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $297K *

Elevate your engineering career by leading test automation and quality architecture for cloud and mobile systems. Shape technical vision, mentor engineers, and drive AI-first automation strategies whi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $230K *

Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$131K - $164K *

Join a team that's redefining restaurant technology by building robust mobile applications. As a Senior Software Engineer II, you'll lead feature delivery, optimize performance, and collaborate across...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$110K - $177K *

Transform enterprise infrastructure by embedding with client teams to optimize Kubernetes deployments, streamline migrations, and enhance AI capabilities, ensuring successful platform adoption and ope...

Tennessee, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$142K - $203K *

Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing innovative software systems for cutting-edge healthcare SaaS platforms, driving technical excellence and strategic collaboration across teams to achieve i...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $160K *

Accelerate progress at our integration platforms, ensuring scalable, reliable data flows. You'll design, build, and optimize workflows while collaborating across teams to enhance performance and custo...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $295K *

Lead innovative data analysis initiatives to develop contextual insights from autonomous vehicle data, driving meaningful improvements in safety and performance across mobility services...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation by embedding with enterprise teams to architect and deploy AI systems. Leverage your engineering expertise to solve complex problems and deliver real-world solutions in regulated indu...

Montgomery, ALRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Join a team that's redefining AI integration by embedding with enterprise clients, architecting robust systems, and delivering real-world solutions. Leverage your engineering expertise to drive impact...

Charlotte, NCRemote

Reposted today

  •   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.