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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$100K - $130K *

Take ownership of developing innovative software solutions, leveraging new technologies and processes. Collaborate closely with customers to create high-quality applications while adapting to evolving...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$110K - $120K *

Join us to lead a dynamic software engineering team, driving innovation in fleet management technology. You'll mentor developers, oversee the software delivery lifecycle, and contribute hands-on to co...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and execution of automated tests for integration and performance, ensuring quality and reliability in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testin...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower a team of engineers by leading development, managing delivery, and driving process improvements. Collaborate across departments to ensure quality releases while maintaining a hands-on technica...

Alberta, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178 and DO-254 standards. Collaborate with engineers and certification authorities to enhance software quali...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$94K - $157K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Software Developer, designing and integrating critical applications for national security. Collaborate cross-functionally while leveraging your expertise in software...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $153K *

Join a dynamic team as a Fullstack Software Engineer, driving innovative solutions by building REST APIs and customer-facing components. Collaborate remotely within Canada to enhance engineering proce...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower engineering teams by building robust test automation solutions that enhance productivity. Design and own comprehensive frameworks that streamline workflows, and collaborate with product teams...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $127K *

Transform software solutions by developing, analyzing, and optimizing applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency and deliver innovative technology for diverse industries in...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $203K *

Engineer innovative software solutions in a dynamic, agile environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive impactful applications using modern technologies...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $125K *

Unlock your potential as you design and enhance cutting-edge cloud solutions for diverse web and mobile platforms. Collaborate across teams to translate product vision into robust software while drivi...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$142K - $184K *

Champion the development and operational deployment of vehicle firmware, leveraging IoT data to enhance fleet safety and efficiency through collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$154K - $260K *

Innovate and drive technical strategy for AI-powered products at scale. Empower teams to build transformative software solutions, oversee complex projects, and deliver exceptional results that reshape...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$70K - $100K *

Engage in the development of automated testing frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of business systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create effective test strategies and dri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $145K *

Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$150K - $300K *

Transform the future of cloud-native applications by designing and developing scalable web solutions. Leverage your expertise in full stack development and cloud technologies to drive innovation and o...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $191K *

Innovate by designing and operating scalable data infrastructure for petabytes of data, enabling customer-facing features and analytics across global industries, while enhancing systems for reliabilit...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$99K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining innovation in software engineering for critical facilities. You'll design and deliver cutting-edge applications and data solutions, driving projects from concept to deplo...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading test automation efforts, developing scripts, and ensuring software quality through comprehensive testing strategies in a collaborative environment...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of cutting-edge test automation solutions, leveraging JavaScript and Python to enhance scalability, quality, and speed in the software develop...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $190K *

Innovate in the field of scientific software engineering by leading the design and development of cutting-edge Windows applications that drive advanced atomic force microscopy systems and enhance perf...

Santa Barbara, CARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$225K - $265K *

Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through innovative test automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and execute automated testing solutions that...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Engage in full stack development to create innovative software solutions, collaborating with experts to enhance user experiences and drive client success through automation, security, and best practic...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Engage partners by driving technical enablement and solution design. Collaborate across teams to empower resellers and integrators, ensuring successful adoption and growth of innovative solutions thro...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.