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.
$79K - $114K *
Engineer robust full stack enterprise applications in a dynamic AWS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality solutions while troubleshooting c...
Reposted 1 week ago
$101K - $139K *
Shape the future of healthcare technology by troubleshooting and resolving complex production issues in a dynamic, hybrid environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliabi...
4 weeks ago
$65K - $150K *
Explore the forefront of AI technology, tackling complex challenges and enhancing intelligent systems. Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and improve performance across various platforms, shap...
Yesterday
$143K - $241K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable data solutions, optimize performance, and enhance software architecture while adhering to coding standards and leveraging AI to...
4 weeks ago
$159K - $235K *
Innovate detection capabilities by developing robust solutions to enhance security across corporate and marketplace environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to revolutionize threat detect...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Core Engineering, Trusted Data Platform
$209K - $273K *
Advance your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategic execution and operational excellence while ensuring a reliable data platform aligns with enterprise goals and custo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager, Software Engineering Mainline
$150K - $220K *
Shape the future of software development by leading a dynamic team, driving innovation, and ensuring successful product delivery in a collaborative, agile environment focused on enhancing IT operation...
1 week ago
DevOps & Cloud Systems - Fullstack Developer
$110K - $130K *
Join us to enhance our cloud-based platform as a Full Stack Developer, leveraging your DevOps and AWS expertise. Collaborate across the stack to build, automate, and scale applications while ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Product Engineer- Endpoint Security
$90K - $153K *
Lead the enhancement and administration of enterprise endpoint security technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize security processes and improve detection capabilities in a g...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by driving data engineering excellence in Palantir Foundry, transforming legacy systems into robust pipelines and applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to de...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Unlock your potential by developing customer-facing features across the full tech stack. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and enhance the Automox console, ensuring high performance and user sat...
4 weeks ago
Lead Device Software Engineer, Embedded & Firmware
$155K - $209K *
Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...
2 weeks ago
$169K - $304K *
Drive innovative IAM architecture solutions, collaborating globally to enhance cloud asset control and ensure operational excellence through strategic design and cross-functional teamwork...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - WebRTC Streaming
$184K - $356K *
Empower our team by designing and optimizing C++ software for ultra low-latency WebRTC streaming systems, driving innovation in real-time media applications and enhancing user experiences through adva...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Engineer innovative embedded systems solutions, driving design and optimization from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance in the power i...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$125K - $150K *
Transform complex customer implementations into seamless successes by owning the delivery lifecycle, driving technical discussions, and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction from kickoff to go-live. Your...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Empower a dynamic team of engineers to innovate e-commerce solutions, driving growth through collaboration with product managers and stakeholders while leveraging AI to enhance development processes a...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Drive the development of innovative web applications in a collaborative agile environment, ensuring high-quality delivery and performance tuning while adhering to best practices and standards. Join a...
1 week ago
Command Center Solutions Services (CCSS) Engineering Organization - Software Engineer
$95K - $105K *
Unlock your potential by designing and optimizing AI-driven applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance deployment engineering resources and stay at the forefront of technology advancemen...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer innovative solutions as you build and scale our platform, collaborating across the tech stack. Contribute to key decisions and shape our engineering culture in a dynamic, fast-paced environme...
1 week ago
$130K - $164K *
Join a team that's redefining customer engagement by bridging technical expertise and sales strategy. Leverage your skills to translate complex aircraft capabilities into tailored solutions, driving b...
Today
$189K - $207K *
Join a team that's redefining Salesforce solutions by integrating AI and predictive analytics to enhance business efficiency and user experience across divisions. Drive innovation and lead the develop...
Today
Software Engineer – Entry Level
$75K - $84K *
Design and develop software for U.S. Navy platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance tactical capabilities. Engage in agile methodologies and contribute to innovative solutions fo...
4 days ago
Contract Staff Software Engineer-FireFox Layout
$185K - $217K *
Manage ongoing maintenance and engineering in the Layout area for web browsers, ensuring code quality, debugging issues, and leading technical efforts for a smooth workflow across platforms while supp...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Engineer || (Authentication)
$107K - $132K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud services and authentication systems. As a key contributor, you'll design, build, and maintain scalable, secure solutions while collaborating with cross-f...
3 weeks ago
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.