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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$96K - $120K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of digital banking by leading complex client implementations, resolving advanced technical issues, and ensuring successful delivery of innovative solutions that al...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex cloud and data center solutions by leading implementations, ensuring technical readiness, and delivering exceptional customer support throughout the project lifecycle. Drive innovati...

Savannah, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$209K - $273K *

Drive innovation by owning customer-facing products end to end, leading technical strategy, and shaping product direction. Collaborate across teams to build AI-native experiences that enhance user eng...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining identity management across diverse platforms. You'll architect secure authentication and authorization systems, ensuring seamless access for users and organizations while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $190K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative software solutions while mentoring junior engineers. Lead development efforts, enhance product performance, and collaborate in a dynamic environment focused on gr...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Contribute to the effective management of the ServiceNow platform, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction through system upgrades, troubleshooting, reporting, and collaboration with stakeh...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $250K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of application security, driving secure software development and fostering a culture of security across engineering teams while managing risks and enhancing securi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$186K - $218K *

Join a team that's redefining mobile experiences by architecting automated QA processes for iOS and Android. Leverage your expertise to ensure exceptional quality in a fast-paced environment, collabor...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$232K *

Lead enhancements on Oracle Fusion and Revpro, integrating systems like Salesforce and Zuora. Manage project roadmaps, prioritize enhancements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$193K - $285K *

Join a team that's redefining security engineering by designing and delivering innovative, multi-domain security services. Collaborate across teams to enhance physical and cloud security, ensuring ope...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Transform customer engagement by providing expert pre-sales technical support, leading complex solution development, and delivering impactful presentations to ensure tailored solutions meet client nee...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Champion innovative automation solutions in warehouse management. Lead complex integrations and guide engineering teams to enhance material handling processes. Collaborate on the Global Automation Roa...

Nashville, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $185K *

Lead the charge in transforming developer workflows and API architecture for enterprise AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate friction and enhance the developer experience a...

Ontario, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining cloud solutions by architecting and delivering complex Azure engagements. Lead migrations, mentor engineers, and drive innovation while ensuring robust security and gover...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $260K *

Elevate operational efficiency by designing and delivering cutting-edge AI and automation solutions. Collaborate with teams to turn complex challenges into scalable, impactful implementations that enh...

California City, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining front-end development with innovative AI solutions. Leverage your expertise in a dynamic startup environment, making impactful architectural decisions and enhancing user...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$87K - $135K *

Drive your career forward by leading systems engineering for a cloud-based enterprise system. Engage in architecture development, integration, and modernization efforts while ensuring security and ope...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Empower your career by developing robust, cloud-native web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect scalable solutions and engage in impactful engineering projects within the...

Columbia, MDRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $135K *

Join a team that's redefining user experience by developing cutting-edge IT Service Portal solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment to enhance functionalities for 13,000 users, focusing on acces...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $130K *

Elevate your career as an Intermediate DevOps Engineer, collaborating on infrastructure and reliability initiatives. Contribute to CI/CD practices and support AI-driven projects while ensuring securit...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$159K - $235K *

Contribute to the evolution of high-leverage caching and locking services, enhancing performance and cost efficiency at scale. Collaborate with engineering teams to build self-serve tools and ensure r...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with an innovative team designing and managing a Kubernetes control plane for seamless deployment and operations, ensuring production reliability, customer onboarding, and infrastruct...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $160K *

Drive impactful software solutions by collaborating with sales teams, leading demos, and managing technical inquiries. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer experiences and support enterprise tr...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to empower partners in building AI solutions using the Cognigy platform. You will provide hands-on technical enablement, training, and support, guiding partners from basic understa...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$128K - $165K *

Lead reliability initiatives across complex systems, driving automation and observability. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational outcomes, manage incidents, and mentor engineers, ensuring comp...

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.