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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior machine learning engineer
$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...
1 month ago
Senior Quality Assurance Engineer
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Red Team Engineer - Frontier AI Security (Remote US)
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Engineer II, Backend (PMI Integrations)
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal AI Software Engineer
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior AI Data & Analytics Engineer II
$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...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer- AI/ML, AWS Neuron Distributed Training
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager, Information Experience
$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...
Yesterday
Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Product Manager, Data Catalog & AI Readiness
$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...
1 week ago
Staff Windows Developer - Debugger
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Systems Engineer - Search
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer | Chicago, IL | Remote
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
Reposted today
Federal Developer - AWS/Amazon Connect
$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...
Yesterday
What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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.