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.
$85K - $100K *
Deliver advanced field service support for Promega instrumentation, ensuring installation, training, and repairs meet customer service standards. Collaborate with teams to enhance service documentatio...
3 days ago
$150K - $200K *
Join us to drive AI integration by transforming client workflows into live agents. You'll manage the entire process from scoping to deployment, collaborating with teams to deliver impactful solutions...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower transformative telehealth solutions by designing and implementing robust software infrastructure. Join a dynamic team to innovate, automate, and streamline applications, impacting the healthca...
Reposted today
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading the architecture and development of secure, scalable Java applications for mission-critical systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive modernization and cloud adoption...
1 week ago
Mid to Senior Software Developer, AI/ML 107-007
$110K - $130K *
Design and implement cutting-edge AI/ML solutions for enterprise systems, integrating multiple technologies to transform unstructured data into actionable insights and ensuring compliance throughout t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by implementing robust testing strategies and frameworks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliability and efficiency, ensuring high stan...
Yesterday
Principal Product Manager, AI Software Factory
$150K - $180K *
Transform the software development landscape by defining a cohesive end-to-end experience, integrating planning to verification workflows across teams. Lead product strategy and execution, influencing...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Microsoft Platform Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Elevate software development by integrating AI-powered coding practices into enterprise solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity, code quality, and testing through innovative AI tools...
1 week ago
$135K - $220K *
Lead the charge in enhancing security tooling for compliance and cybersecurity. Collaborate with engineering teams to automate security checks, ensuring a robust pipeline that balances speed and secur...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Scala)
$125K - $150K *
Empower your career by developing scalable data solutions using functional Scala. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative cloud-based applications, collaborating to create high-quality products that...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Platform Engineer - FedD180/FedD181
$123K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud platform reliability and security. As a Platform Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in Kubernetes and CI/CD to build and maintain robust infrastru...
2 weeks ago
Machine Learning Engineer II - Autonomous Driving Performance Evaluation
$172K - $210K *
Drive innovation in autonomous driving by enhancing ML metrics and evaluation systems. Collaborate with a diverse team to optimize performance and ensure reliability across cutting-edge mobility servi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Compiled Health - Member of Technical Staff, Compiler (Remote)
$250K - $400K *
Champion innovative research in clinical AI, driving the development of executable clinical logic modules and experiments to enhance decision-making in healthcare. Collaborate with founders and clinic...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Software and AI Engineer
$137K - $182K *
Architect and drive AI-powered applications for drug development, focusing on protocol generation and clinical trials. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance while fostering...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize cloud infrastructure and security automation for government projects. Collaborate with teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines, compliance, and operational resilience, ensuring efficient delivery an...
6 days ago
$180K - $200K *
Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer – Intelligent Platforms & Agents
$107K - $195K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced platforms that automate operations and enhance AI-driven interactions. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with coding, mentoring, and ensuring comp...
1 week ago
Senior Product Analytics Engineer
$142K - $186K *
Pioneer a data-driven culture by designing scalable ELT pipelines and analytics models. Collaborate across teams to ensure product data integrity and empower stakeholders with self-service insights, d...
3 weeks ago
Senior Implementation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive enterprise solution implementations by leading requirements analysis, designing scalable architectures, and delivering innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and manage c...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$133K - $235K *
Drive your career with impactful cross-functional programs, leading initiatives from planning to launch. Collaborate with diverse teams to navigate complexity, ensuring successful delivery and continu...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer II- ECM Specialization
$56K - $114K *
Design and develop modern software solutions in an Agile/Scrum environment, focusing on Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and workflow automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Advance enterprise threat detection capabilities by developing high-fidelity detections across security platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance defensive posture and mentor junio...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services , SLG & Education - Northeast
$153K - $207K *
Champion innovative cloud solutions by leveraging your technical expertise to guide customers in designing and implementing robust architectures. Collaborate with teams to drive success in AWS project...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Solution Engineer - Applied AI FDE
$201K - $352K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise AI by building scalable, LLM-enabled applications. Collaborate with customers to deliver impactful solutions, codify reusable assets, and shape the future of A...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $155K *
Oversee complex project delivery, ensuring alignment with client goals and financial control. Lead cross-functional teams, manage risks, and drive proactive actions for successful outcomes using estab...
1 week 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.