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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$171K - $269K *

Elevate AI-powered search experiences by developing machine learning capabilities, enhancing query understanding, and delivering intelligent systems that adapt to user needs across diverse platforms a...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality by developing and executing comprehensive tests. Collaborate with peers to enhance testing methodologies and mentor teammates in a dynamic and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...

California, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$133K - $183K *

Engineer scalable backend solutions for partner integrations, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure timely project delivery and operational stability. Leverage your expertise in distributed syste...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing and deploying AI systems that enhance productivity and customer experience across multiple departments, driving innovation and efficiency through advanced AI capabilities...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$92K - $115K *

Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$137K - $231K *

Lead the charge in architecting a robust data infrastructure that powers AI and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex business challenges into scalable data solutions...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $231K *

Accelerate your career by architecting data solutions that drive AI and analytics at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex business challenges into impactful data product...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $231K *

Help us build a robust data foundation for AI and analytics at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect data pipelines and models, transforming complex business challenges into impa...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $261K *

Join to optimize distributed training performance on AWS Trainium. Work collaboratively across ML frameworks and hardware to advance deep learning efficiency while mentoring a talented engineering tea...

Cupertino, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$123K - $218K *

Champion user-centered information experiences by leading a distributed team to create impactful technical documentation and content strategies that enhance customer and developer engagement across mu...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining CRM platforms by architecting innovative, AI-driven solutions. This high-impact role requires visionary leadership to optimize data processing and enhance user experience...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engineer critical electrical and mechanical systems for data centers, leading field support, troubleshooting, and reliability improvements while developing operational standards and mentoring teams to...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development of a data catalog for AI consumption, ensuring quality and accessibility. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to onboard domains, manage readiness assessments, and drive align...

Utah, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$159K - $239K *

Engage in the full software development lifecycle for Windows-on-Snapdragon products. Collaborate with Agile teams to design, develop, and debug features while coordinating with stakeholders to resolv...

Washington, DCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Champion the development of an AI platform by leading a team to architect and build essential systems for AI-driven applications, ensuring reliability and scalability while collaborating with cross-fu...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion security excellence by designing and implementing robust security controls across hybrid environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance overall protection and response cap...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of machine learning and search innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable ML systems that enhance user experiences and drive impactful...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Transform the Web3 landscape by developing innovative dApps and backend services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure security, scalability, and seamless user experiences in a dynamic, r...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$98K - $125K *

Elevate progress at Cisco by designing and delivering impactful training programs that enhance the skills of technical sales professionals, driving success across diverse technology domains and foster...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Join a mission-driven team to shape the future of healthcare technology by leveraging your expertise in AWS, DevOps, and modern software development. Collaborate in a fully remote environment to drive...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$78K - $111K *

Join us to design and implement innovative ServiceNow solutions, enhancing business operations through automation and integration. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver effective ITSM and ITOM appl...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $170K *

Shape the future of cloud solutions by architecting and optimizing advanced contact centers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to leverage AI and AWS technologies, enhancing customer experiences...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

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.