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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$104K - $153K *

Champion innovative AI-driven self-service solutions, enhancing employee experiences through ServiceNow. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, ensuring high-quality engineering from design t...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$187K - $253K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions, driving impactful features and system improvements in a collaborative environment. Utilize advanced programming skills to tackle complex challeng...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate healthcare delivery by developing AI solutions that enhance operations and resident experiences. Collaborate with teams to automate processes and improve clinical decision-making in senior ca...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$118K - $216K *

Transform premium user experiences by owning the development and maintenance of features that drive revenue growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, AI-enhanced solutio...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $286K *

Elevate innovation by leading the design and delivery of scalable, cloud-native platforms. Drive technical excellence across teams, architect AI-enhanced systems, and mentor engineers to translate com...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $286K *

Lead platform engineering initiatives, driving scalable cloud-native solutions and AI/ML integration. Oversee the software development lifecycle, ensuring high performance and reliability while mentor...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $286K *

Champion innovative solutions by leading cross-functional teams in delivering scalable, AI-enhanced software systems. Drive the full software lifecycle while ensuring high-quality outcomes and fosteri...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $286K *

Shape the future of scalable platform engineering by leading cross-functional teams in delivering innovative, cloud-native solutions that integrate AI/ML technologies, ensuring high availability and o...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $115K *

Champion quality assurance by designing and maintaining scalable test automation frameworks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and performance, ensuring robust te...

Gainesville, FLRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in AI integration across diverse products. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll enhance capabilities, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure secure...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...

Cary, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $220K *

Empower the future of financial operations by mastering money movement, ensuring seamless transactions and transparency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success and enhance cl...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$133K - $183K *

Transform customer experiences by developing robust backend systems and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions while ensuring operational excellence and community...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Transform the DevOps landscape by leading infrastructure automation, fostering collaboration, and championing best practices across teams, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient cloud solutions that...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $286K *

Pioneer innovative cloud-native architectures and AI/ML integration, leading cross-functional teams to deliver scalable platform capabilities. Drive engineering excellence and mentor talent to enhance...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$90K - $153K *

Engineer and deploy secure AI-driven applications and automation solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and collaboration across teams. Leverage Generative AI and cloud technologies to solve comp...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $122K *

Join a team that's redefining DevOps by building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, automating workflows, and enhancing service delivery in AWS. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliabl...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$224K - $356K *

Elevate safety standards in AI-driven autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and implement safety requirements across software and hardware, driving innovatio...

Michigan, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $170K *

Innovate with AI to enhance HR software. Design and develop scalable web services, lead initiatives, and mentor engineers while focusing on user experience and collaboration in a dynamic environment...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...

Orlando, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Champion the development of scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and technical excellence. Mentor engineers and influence architectural decisions...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$144K - $288K *

Transform healthcare by leading a high-performing analytics engineering team. Drive innovation in software development, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance patient experiences and outcomes...

New York, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative technical solutions, guiding customers through complex digital transformations, and enhancing software capabilities within a collaborative environ...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $195K *

Drive the development and maintenance of low-level CPU firmware and BIOS software, collaborating with hardware engineers and vendors to ensure reliable system initialization and booting across all pro...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $193K *

Engage in architecting and designing digital products, leading teams to implement innovative software solutions while ensuring accountability for product success and performance metrics...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.