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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$165K - $220K *

Champion innovative browser technologies by designing experiments, investigating performance, and implementing engine-level changes. Collaborate closely with a small team to enhance browser behavior a...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$195K - $260K *

Lead the charge in browser engine innovation by designing experiments, implementing changes, and collaborating across disciplines to enhance performance and correctness in web technologies...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the design and development of complex software systems, ensuring architectural consistency and best practices. Collaborate with teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring engineers and d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and customize software solutions, leveraging your expertise in Java, AWS, and agile methodologies. Collaborate on innovative projects that meet client needs while enhanc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Innovate as you guide Fortune 500 clients in leveraging AI solutions. Collaborate with sales teams, deliver dynamic presentations, and serve as trusted technical advisor to modernize legacy systems an...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $155K *

Empower your career by ensuring the quality and performance of Salesforce solutions in Government Cloud environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate requirements and enhance testi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing security for a complex federal platform, safeguarding cloud infrastructure and sensitive data. Collaborate within an Agile team to design, implement, and automate robust s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Drive the development of autonomous AI systems that enhance decision-making across platforms. Shape AI architecture, integrate tools, and lead the creation of impactful AI solutions from concept to pr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $180K *

Engage in innovative software development, collaborating with a dynamic team to create and enhance applications. Drive technical excellence while mentoring junior engineers and adapting solutions to m...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$132K - $264K *

Optimize platform engineering by delivering scalable, cloud-native solutions and AI/ML frameworks. Lead cross-functional teams through the software development lifecycle, ensuring high availability an...

Bellevue, WARemote

1 week ago

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

$284K - $385K *

Shape the future of technology by tackling complex challenges and driving AI adoption. Collaborate across teams to define long-term strategies, enhance customer experiences, and influence product dire...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in defining long-term technical strategies that drive AI adoption and enhance customer experiences. Collaborate across teams to tackle complex challenges, ensuring high engineering sta...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $200K *

Advance your career by embedding within client teams to deliver impactful AI solutions. Collaborate closely with stakeholders, tackle real-world challenges, and drive innovation in production environm...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $215K *

Champion the evolution of Android features, driving product impact through collaboration and innovation. Own the development process from concept to deployment, ensuring high-quality user experiences...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$92K - $166K *

Transform critical systems for the US Antarctic Program by designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead operations in a unique, mi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by designing and delivering innovative video solutions across diverse sectors. Collaborate with teams to create scalable architectures that enhance broadcast, streaming, and cloud...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform database systems through innovative architecture and automation, enhancing reliability and scalability. Collaborate across teams to simplify complex infrastructures while driving performance...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by architecting and building intelligent workflows to integrate models and enterprise data into scalable, production-ready solutions that ensure compliance...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI engineering by leading a dynamic group of engineers and Technical Leads. Drive workforce strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure sustainable deliver...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$69K - $101K *

Empower our Micro-Fulfillment Operations team by ensuring optimal performance and reliability of automated systems. Engage with customers to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, enhancin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$157K - $174K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of combat vehicle software. Lead architectural design and technical direction for mission-critical systems, integrating advanced technologies in a collaborative...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $250K *

Lead the charge in enhancing the reliability and scalability of a global multi-tenant platform. Drive SRE strategy, foster collaboration across teams, and ensure operational excellence while developin...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance the design and implementation of electrical distribution systems for autonomous vehicles, ensuring robust architectures and seamless integration across teams from concept to production...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$87K - $209K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement backend services, enhancing developer tooling and integration frameworks. Drive improvements in performance and resilience while collaborating with cross-fu...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud infrastructure by leading engineering efforts for a cutting-edge Operational Decisioning Platform. Drive innovation, enhance developer experience, and en...

RemoteRemote

2 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.