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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$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing customer success through expert guidance in Privilege Access Management. Leverage your technical skills to support enterprise clients, ensuring seamless deplo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $93K *

Join a dynamic team as you leverage your technical expertise to drive customer success in IoT solutions. Engage with diverse industries, providing tailored support and fostering relationships that enh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $105K *

Transform our ServiceNow platform by developing, configuring, and optimizing ITSM & HRSD solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workflows, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improv...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Build robust data platform capabilities to enhance enterprise data usability across applications, analytics, and AI. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and performance in data processing and...

San Jose, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing supplier performance and innovation. Drive a team to enhance supplier capabilities, ensuring high-quality product delivery while fostering strategic relationships and con...

South Bend, INRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $122K *

Advance your career by leading supplier development initiatives that enhance performance and innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products while driving continuo...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$264K - $345K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven collaboration. Lead innovative strategies and elevate product management by integrating AI in core offerings to enhance user experiences and drive im...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of dental technology by leading software development for specialized machines, shaping the future of custom prosthetics manufacturing in a dynamic, high-growth env...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$238K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of software engineering by leading architectural decisions, driving product modernization, and enhancing operational excellence while mentoring others and foste...

Nashville, TNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Architect the future of our GTM technology ecosystem, enhancing data integrity and operational excellence. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive scalable solutions that elevate marketing, sales, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading mobile app development, shaping user experiences, and driving technical direction in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver intuitive...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$199K - $235K *

Innovate backend solutions by designing, building, and maintaining scalable services for external pentesting. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and ensure system performance, reliabi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your leadership potential by guiding product engineers in creating exceptional developer experiences. This role blends technical expertise and product vision, enabling you to drive impactful in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Drive the design and deployment of secure AI applications in cloud environments, integrating advanced technologies like machine learning and ServiceNow solutions to enhance operational efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $210K *

Empower your career with a role focused on developing large-scale infrastructure and distributed systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance cloud technologies and deliver critical services for diverse...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$94K - $179K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and developing high-quality software solutions. Lead agile projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure robust application systems that meet user needs and i...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of networking by designing and implementing advanced SDN orchestration systems for high-performance, isolated networking in distributed computing environments, enabling seamless acces...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Innovate your career by developing cutting-edge AI/ML solutions in a dynamic Agile environment. Collaborate with a talented team to shape strategies and implement advanced technologies that enhance cu...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Elevate your career by driving strategic programs that enhance our Extensibility platform. Collaborate across teams to shape product roadmaps and ensure successful launches while addressing complex cu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by leading SaaS modernization projects, enhancing delivery efficiency through AI and automation. Drive customer success by transforming legacy systems into scalable, sustainable s...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$89K - $148K *

Engineer robust testing strategies for SAP solutions, ensuring seamless performance and business alignment. Collaborate with teams to validate reliability through rigorous testing of modules like S/4H...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $150K *

Transform your career by joining a dynamic team focused on enhancing security compliance for cloud services. Leverage your expertise in IT security to assess architectures, guide vendors, and ensure a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $265K *

Unlock potential by leading a transformative data engineering team focused on building robust, high-performance data platforms. Drive innovation, foster a culture of learning, and ensure impactful out...

Nashville, TNRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.