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.
Forward Deployed Engineer (Growth Solutions)
$111K - $180K *
Unlock potential by designing AI-powered solutions for complex reporting challenges. Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative outcomes in regulated environments whil...
1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Innovate with a dynamic team of engineers to shape architecture and drive product expansion as you build reliable software solutions for healthcare, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Enterprise Implementation Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Elevate customer success by implementing privacy-first healthcare marketing solutions. As an Implementation Engineer, you'll guide clients through technical setups, ensuring optimal performance and co...
3 weeks ago
REMOTE - Principal Platform Software Engineer- Oracle Health
$105K - $234K *
Lead the design and delivery of complex platform capabilities, enhancing reliability and security while mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to drive technical excellence and implement AI-ass...
3 days ago
Staff Backend Software Engineer - Loki | NASA | Remote
$186K - $223K *
Join us to design, build, and maintain critical telemetry systems, ensuring reliability and performance while collaborating with a diverse team in a remote-first environment. Drive projects from ideat...
1 week ago
Staff Backend Software Engineer - Loki | NASA | Remote
$174K - $209K *
Empower our team by driving innovative projects from concept to operation, enhancing the reliability and performance of our observability systems while collaborating in a fully remote environment focu...
1 week ago
Senior Field Engineer, Data Center Design and Engineering
$320K - $405K *
Transform the future of data center engineering by resolving on-site technical issues, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring project success through effective problem-solving and communication...
Yesterday
Software Engineering Manager - Pro Quote Center, Nonstock (Remote)
$140K - $240K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by mentoring talent, driving scalable solutions, and fostering collaboration across teams. Partner with stakeholders to align technical direction and deliver...
1 week ago
Quality Automation Engineer - IT Applications (Remote)
$95K - $115K *
Join our team to engineer high-quality automated test solutions, ensuring the reliability and performance of enterprise applications. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver robust frameworks and le...
Reposted today
Staff Software Engineer, Supply Chain Warehouse Execution Systems (Remote)
$120K - $190K *
Lead a team of engineers to develop and maintain software solutions that enhance warehouse operations, focusing on task optimization and system integration while fostering collaboration and mentoring...
Yesterday
$143K - $286K *
Transform the software landscape by leading scalable platform development, mentoring teams, and driving innovation in cloud-native architectures and AI/ML integration to enhance engineering productivi...
4 weeks ago
$143K - $286K *
Join a team that drives innovative software solutions by overseeing the full development lifecycle, from coding to deployment, and integrating advanced AI/ML components for scalable cloud-native archi...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Innovate with us as you lead technical delivery for enterprise data integration and migration projects, focusing on Higher Education and Salesforce ecosystems. Drive solution architecture, manage team...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Platform - Remote
$91K - $163K *
Drive innovation in cloud infrastructure by developing advanced Terraform modules and mentoring engineers. Lead technical delivery and enhance platform capabilities across Azure and AWS, ensuring secu...
Today
Manager, Software Engineering - Remote
$110K - $130K *
Lead and inspire a dynamic team in delivering high-quality Pega projects. Oversee project execution, foster continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with business goals while mentoring team member...
1 week ago
$180K - $220K *
Empower a dynamic team of software engineers to innovate and deliver impactful tech solutions, collaborating with cross-functional partners to enhance pediatric healthcare for children with special ne...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer Associate (Remote)
$66K - $131K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative software solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, develop, and maintain applications while ensuring quality and efficiency in a dynamic environment. Gr...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$130K - $150K *
Lead the charge in driving program delivery and portfolio management for a dynamic Security team, ensuring effective execution of enterprise initiatives while fostering cross-functional collaboration...
2 weeks ago
$94K - $118K *
Unlock potential by driving application security initiatives through innovative tooling and automation. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to safeguard cloud platforms and implement security b...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
GIS Software Quality Assurance Engineer
$95K - $120K *
Champion quality assurance in GIS software by developing test plans, validating data, and ensuring reliability for Army geospatial applications. Collaborate with experts to enhance automated testing p...
2 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Data Engineer, Data Modernizaton
$180K - $230K *
Transform healthcare data ecosystems as a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer, leading platform-specific builds to modernize legacy systems into AI-ready lakehouses while collaborating with client data t...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager - Order Fulfillment
$140K - $240K *
Lead the development of innovative software solutions while mentoring a talented engineering team. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to enhance product quality and drive strategic vendor rela...
4 weeks ago
Technical Product Owner, AI-Directed Development
$100K *
Take ownership of product health and growth by directing AI coding agents, ensuring quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful changes while maintaining document...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Integrations
$187K - $234K *
Empower the Integrations team to scale impact by leading third-party integrations, creating reusable capabilities, and fostering a collaborative culture that drives effective delivery and continuous i...
Yesterday
Lead Software Solutions Architect
$135K - $160K *
Engineer innovative cloud-native solutions by leading architecture design and implementation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical strategies while mentoring talent, ensuring pro...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
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.