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.
Staff Software Engineer, Audiences
$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...
1 week ago
Software Engineer/Argo Cloud Specialist - 6496782
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Lead Software Engineer (Packet Forwarding Engines)
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Enterprise Sales | DX
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Application Engineer
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Real-Time Generalist
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Core Engineering
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Solutions Architect (FedS063)
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Data Retrieval
$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...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
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.