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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$200K - $322K *

Lead the charge in optimizing infrastructure programs that power our cutting-edge EDA ecosystem. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and strategic planning, driving op...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$163K - $226K *

Lead the AI enablement initiative, crafting tools and workflows to empower engineers across the organization, enhancing productivity and safety through innovative AI technologies and practices...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $165K *

Elevate user experiences by developing innovative iOS applications that enhance health and fitness journeys. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality features while mentoring ju...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by designing and developing safety-critical firmware for vehicle control systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance performance and ensure compliance with forma...

Toronto, ONRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$105K - $231K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of SAP integration, driving complex data exchanges and ensuring compliance with DoD standards while enhancing transportation operations across diverse systems...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $175K *

Pioneer secure, scalable backend solutions as a Senior Developer, integrating AI capabilities within AWS GovCloud. Collaborate across teams to enhance enterprise applications and ensure robust securit...

Arlington, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$193K - $285K *

Redefine the future of security at scale by leading innovative product engineering efforts. Drive collaboration, technical vision, and proactive controls to ensure a secure and resilient delivery ecos...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$130K - $160K *

Engineer robust security solutions to protect users and partners. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance security across infrastructure, applications, and compliance, while writing production code...

New York City, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading complex engineering initiatives across Microsoft 365 collaboration services, ensuring secure, reliable solutions while mentoring engineers and enhancing platform health thr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K - $120K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in enterprise application integrations. Drive strategy, development, and governance while enhancing connectivity across various platforms. Foster techni...

Richmond Hill, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$145K - $195K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to enhance our next-gen CAD Graphics Engine, focusing on 3D modeling and rendering. Leverage your expertise in graphics algorithms and CAD software to drive performance an...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $108K *

Champion high-impact strategic initiatives, collaborating with executives to drive alignment and measurable results across the organization while navigating complexity and change...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$224K - $235K *

Develop scalable backend features in a dynamic, agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and reliability of services while ensuring best practices in coding an...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Champion innovation by developing full-stack web applications using TypeScript. Collaborate in a dynamic, remote-first team to deliver engaging user experiences, streamline operations, and lead techni...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$93K - $125K *

Explore your potential as a Software Architect, designing and enhancing build systems and delivery platforms. Collaborate with teams to implement CI/CD practices and ensure high-quality software deliv...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $300K *

Transform enterprise operations by developing AI solutions tailored to customer needs. Engage directly with clients, manage the full technical lifecycle, and drive measurable improvements in AI perfor...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$144K - $165K *

Unlock potential by owning data architecture and reliability across domains. Collaborate with an AI-first team to design robust data pipelines, enhance analytics, and drive impactful solutions in a dy...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Advance your career by building high-throughput services that power AI workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable infrastructure and tackle complex challenges in a dynamic e...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team focused on observability. Drive technical roadmaps, enhance platform reliability, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Create impactful solutions as a Senior Product Engineer, owning projects from concept to delivery. Collaborate with a dynamic team, leveraging AI tools to enhance development while mentoring peers and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$103K - $138K *

Unlock potential by designing and automating secure, scalable AWS cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure reliability and streamline software delivery throug...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $350K *

Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $185K *

Drive your career forward by ensuring safety and reliability in aerospace programs. Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate risks, support mission readiness, and uphold rigorous safety standard...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$75K - $100K *

Reimagine quality assurance as a Platform Tester, driving test strategy and automation for critical healthcare solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure stability and scalability in...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $162K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional technical support and project leadership for Digital CMU solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful implementations, optimize system performance...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.