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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$150K - $180K *

Drive the development of AI-native solutions, designing robust agentic systems and workflows while closely collaborating with SMEs to enhance real user value through effective feedback mechanisms and...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Manassas, VARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to build and enhance security practices, ensuring robust protection of sensitive data. Collaborate across engineering to create secure frameworks, manage identities, and fortify cl...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Partner with us to drive innovative go-to-market strategies with top tech platforms, generating pipeline and enhancing collaboration between sales teams to accelerate revenue opportunities. Elevate yo...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Execute project development and implementation, managing budgets, schedules, and vendor tasks while ensuring quality standards and fostering collaboration across teams and clients...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $197K *

Lead the technical direction for a new Grafana Cloud product, shaping backend architecture and enhancing user experiences through data-driven solutions. Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful f...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Engineer resilient backend solutions for privileged account discovery, enhancing security while navigating complex, customer-deployed environments. Collaborate on data-processing workflows using cutti...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service by providing on-site installation, maintenance, and support for advanced lab systems. Your expertise will ensure optimal perform...

Georgia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $110K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role supporting customer success through on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of advanced laboratory systems. Leverage your technical expertise and communicati...

Indiana, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $110K *

Elevate customer success by providing on-site installation, maintenance, and support for analytical instrumentation. Collaborate with clients to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction while trave...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $110K *

Elevate customer success by delivering on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of analytical instrumentation. Utilize strong communication and problem-solving skills to ensure optimal performanc...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$83K - $130K *

Advance your career by providing exceptional on-site support for laboratory systems. Engage with diverse technologies, ensuring customer satisfaction through installation, maintenance, and problem-sol...

Ontario, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $110K *

Deliver exceptional service by installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instruments. Collaborate with customers to optimize performance and ensure satisfaction while supporting business...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $157K *

Join a team that's transforming enterprise AI solutions through innovative design and deployment. Leverage your expertise to build secure, scalable AI platforms that enhance business processes and dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate team performance by leading a Scrum team in developing and modernizing enterprise SaaS applications. Guide technical decisions, mentor engineers, and foster collaboration across departments to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$146K - $206K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in card acquisition by leveraging technology and data insights to create seamless user experiences and foster customer loyalty. Collaborate with cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team as you architect secure CI/CD pipelines, manage Kubernetes clusters, and implement security automation in AWS. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency while embe...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Drive new business growth by leveraging industry expertise and relationships. Collaborate with senior executives to position as a trusted partner, focusing on digital transformation and consultative e...

New York, NYRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $145K *

Lead the development and enhancement of modern web applications using Java, Spring, and Angular. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an Agile environment to deliver reliable solutions while men...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Engineer high-quality software solutions while mentoring teams and setting technical standards. Drive innovation in cloud-native products and enhance developer capabilities through hands-on leadership...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $183K *

Innovate the future of healthcare technology by developing scalable applications that streamline specialty prescriptions. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance user experience and drive efficienc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$157K - $238K *

Join a team that's redefining security by leveraging AI to enhance application safety. You'll assess vulnerabilities, develop innovative security solutions, and shape the AI security strategy across t...

Denver, CORemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.