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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$115K - $160K *

Advance your career by solving complex automation challenges using AI. Collaborate closely with business teams to create effective agents that streamline operations, leveraging your expertise in LLM a...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation by leading backend development for a key platform, enhancing engineering practices, and mentoring junior developers in a collaborative Scrum environment focused on high-quality, secur...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Develop and optimize high-performance software systems using Rust, focusing on Linux environments and distributed applications. Collaborate on architecture and enhance software quality through modern...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $180K *

Transform cancer care by developing AI biomarkers through collaboration with ML scientists and clinical partners, enhancing model robustness and interpretability across diverse datasets to improve pat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $200K *

Innovate your career by leveraging technical expertise to drive sales success. Collaborate with teams to deliver F5 solutions, ensuring customer satisfaction while achieving sales targets in a dynamic...

Arizona, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$163K - $245K *

Support the sales team by providing technical expertise and solutions for F5 products. Engage with customers to understand their needs, drive sales processes, and deliver world-class service while ach...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$133K - $200K *

Inspire technical excellence by supporting sales teams with F5 solutions, driving customer engagement, and delivering tailored presentations. Collaborate with internal resources to achieve sales targe...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's transforming cloud infrastructure for institutional investors. You'll deploy and manage AI solutions across various cloud environments, ensuring security and compliance while collab...

Berkeley, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $160K *

Transform advanced semiconductor facilities by leading electrical design projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to ensure compliance, quality, and innovation while utilizing cutting-edge AI...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $160K *

Transform the future of technology by leading electrical design for advanced semiconductor facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, innovation, and quality in every p...

Phoenix, AZRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$230K - $368K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team that builds innovative solutions across full stack, focusing on customer needs and delivering impactful results in a fast-paced, startup-like environment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $116K *

Empower progress at the core of payment processing by developing and deploying production code. Collaborate with senior engineers to enhance transaction routing systems and gain hands-on experience in...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $240K *

Join a dynamic team as you provide technical expertise, drive enterprise opportunities, and architect innovative solutions that meet client needs while showcasing the value of our cutting-edge product...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform application deployment by collaborating with teams to streamline processes, enhance automation, and ensure high-quality releases across environments while mentoring junior members and drivin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $165K *

Elevate your career by leading complex product initiatives across technical domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic direction into actionable plans, ensuring measurable out...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$113K - $125K *

Drive product strategy and outcomes in a senior role, focusing on educational equity and data-driven impact. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape product direction, prioritize initiatives...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$198K - $292K *

Help us shape the future of autonomous systems by designing and deploying advanced motion planning algorithms for dynamic environments, ensuring safe and efficient navigation in real-time scenarios wh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$125K - $135K *

Take ownership of features from design to production, enhance system reliability, and collaborate closely with engineers, product, and design teams to solve complex technical challenges in a dynamic e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$101K - $204K *

Lead and innovate as a Staff Software Engineer, guiding agile teams to design, develop, and maintain complex software systems while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring high-quality delivery of pro...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Develop and enhance browser extension features that secure user experiences. Collaborate with product teams and implement best coding practices to optimize performance and usability, all while maintai...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$193K - $309K *

Lead the development of innovative drive-thru solutions, architecting scalable Android applications and backend integrations while mentoring engineers and driving engineering excellence across the org...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$96K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to shape innovative fundraising tools that empower progressive campaigns and nonprofits. Leverage modern technologies to enhance election readiness and compliance, while mentoring...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Champion the migration to a modern Databricks lakehouse, designing robust data pipelines and ensuring data quality. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics capabilities and set technical standards...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $135K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing cloud infrastructure solutions in Azure. Collaborate with teams to automate deployments, optimize CI/CD pipelines, and leverage AI tools for enhanced...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform product operations by enhancing collaboration across teams and streamlining the launch processes. Utilize data-driven insights and AI to identify bottlenecks and drive efficiency, ensuring s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

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.