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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$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable audience solutions by integrating predictive models and data workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance audience activation and ensure reliabl...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $139K *

Develop innovative software solutions by leveraging your expertise in modern frameworks and agile practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and scalability while...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$103K - $160K *

Drive product development by leading a senior engineering pod to deliver high-quality software for city permitting and community operations, leveraging AI tools and coding agents to enhance efficiency...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$62K - $139K *

Champion data integrity by designing and executing comprehensive test plans for ETL processes and large-scale data platforms, ensuring quality and accuracy across systems while collaborating in an Agi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $195K *

Take ownership of developing and delivering software for packet forwarding engines, collaborating with engineers to design, implement, and test solutions for complex networking systems in a fast-paced...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$99K - $167K *

Develop and maintain robust data pipelines using SparkSQL and Pyspark, ensuring high-quality data for analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data analysis efficiency and support...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Elevate your technical expertise by supporting L1 teams, running investigations, and shipping bug fixes. Collaborate across departments to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction in a dynami...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$158K - $248K *

Transform sales performance by coaching a team of Enterprise Account Executives, driving revenue growth, and institutionalizing effective sales processes while fostering a culture of continuous learni...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage your expertise to lead complex HL7 integrations across healthcare systems, enhancing interoperability and data-sharing capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful implement...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $143K *

Join a dynamic team as a Data Engineer, where you'll design and maintain data pipelines using SparkSQL and Pyspark. Your work will enhance data analysis efficiency, impacting industries and driving cu...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$127K - $175K *

Champion the execution of security and privacy initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams to reduce risks and enhance outcomes. Drive strategic planning, maintain clear communication, and prepare ex...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative mechanical solutions for prefabricated platforms. Leverage your expertise in HVAC to lead the development and ensure alignment with customer and operational goals...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative solutions by architecting a cutting-edge Command & Control system for large drone swarms, influencing design and implementation while collaborating with a dynamic team to tackle co...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality software solutions using C# and .NET technologies. Collaborate in an Agile environment to drive innovation and optimize performance while suppor...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Join us to architect and lead the development of scalable fintech solutions. As a technical leader, you'll drive innovation, mentor teams, and ensure architectural integrity while shaping the future o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $250K *

Transform the architectural vision of a fintech platform by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems. Drive technical excellence and mentor teams to innovate and enhance the financial...

Ontario, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$171K - $248K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to enhance infrastructure and networking, driving user-focused product development while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across the organization...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Drive the evolution of a cutting-edge CI/CD platform, integrating AI tools and leading a team of DevOps engineers. Own production releases and implement modern delivery practices to enhance software d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Elevate customer experiences by leading a team of engineers, providing strategic insights, and implementing innovative solutions in growth engineering and digital marketing for impactful delivery serv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to architect innovative solutions across diverse systems, transforming complex challenges into user-friendly experiences. Collaborate closely with product and design to drive impac...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$272K - $431K *

Lead the charge in architecting and scaling data acquisition infrastructure for foundation models. Collaborate across teams to enhance web crawling, ingestion, and data quality, ensuring reliable, hig...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Transform our data infrastructure by leading design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data management, mentor engineers, and shape our technical ro...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$118K - $217K *

Unlock potential by developing cutting-edge rendering solutions for a major video game. Collaborate with engineers and artists to enhance visual fidelity and optimize performance in a large-scale, ope...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$127K - $209K *

Optimize rendering solutions and enhance visual fidelity in a cutting-edge game environment. Collaborate with engineers and artists to push the boundaries of graphics performance and memory utilizatio...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$124K - $186K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building and maintaining reliable infrastructure for large-scale applications. As a Site Reliability Engineer, you'll support developers and ensure the uptime of critic...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

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

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.