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.
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of backend storage solutions on AWS. You'll design, build, and optimize scalable systems, ensuring high performance and reliability while collaborating with cross...
4 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Architect robust Kubernetes solutions to enhance cloud infrastructure. Drive multi-cloud initiatives and implement cell-based architecture for scalable, reliable services. Join a team dedicated to bui...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer secure, scalable cloud platforms and automate workflows. Lead migrations, implement observability, and mentor junior engineers while driving cloud-native adoption in a collaborative environme...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate incident response capabilities by developing dashboards and alerts, optimizing cloud performance, and ensuring security compliance. Collaborate with product teams to enhance IAM needs while dr...
1 week ago
$80K - $110K *
Transform your career by developing innovative software solutions in a collaborative Agile environment. Engage in all phases of the software development lifecycle while enhancing cybersecurity and ide...
Reposted today
Principal Software Development Engineer
$150K - $214K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing enterprise Finance solutions, optimizing processes, and driving global transformation initiatives through innovative technology and collaboration with sta...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $160K *
Lead day-to-day reliability for our SRE-DevOps team, ensuring production AWS environments are secure and well-documented. Collaborate on automation, incident response, and compliance while working ind...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading technical vision and mentoring engineers. Drive modernization and collaboration across teams to build resilient, scalable infrastructure while fostering a high-performance...
Yesterday
Software Engineer II - Java, Spring, AWS, CI/CD
$121K - $191K *
Join the team to design and develop scalable software solutions for healthcare supply chain transactions. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to enhance the rules engine and deliver high-qualit...
1 week ago
$180K - $250K *
Innovate the design and delivery of cutting-edge SaaS solutions powered by data, ML, and AI. Own key technical areas driving high-quality product features through collaboration, backend development, a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$84K - $131K *
Join a dynamic team to provide scientific expertise and application support, enhancing customer experiences through product demonstrations, training, and troubleshooting while collaborating with cross...
6 days ago
$130K - $252K *
Drive innovation in credentialing by developing secure, high-quality software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and streamline processes, ensuring medical pro...
Reposted today
Staff Software Engineer, ML Training Infrastructure
$150K - $180K *
Innovate a high-performance AI training platform, enhancing ML workflows for autonomous vehicles. Collaborate across teams to optimize model development, ensuring reliability and scalability while pro...
4 weeks ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Reimagine your career as a Staff Full-Stack Software Engineer, leading technical direction and mentoring teams while developing a cloud-based platform that empowers forensic investigators to uncover c...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager, Institutional Transfers
$120K - $145K *
Inspire innovation by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance our transfer platform. Drive technical direction, foster collaboration, and ensure scalable, reliable solutions that empower clients...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer III - Developer Platform & AI Enablement
$102K - $136K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare by developing essential tooling and AI capabilities for engineers. This role spans software development, architecture, and collaboration in an Agile environm...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $120K *
Unlock quality assurance excellence by leading automation efforts and mentoring teams. Drive the development of robust testing frameworks and enhance product reliability across multiple platforms in a...
1 week ago
$162K - $290K *
Contribute to building cutting-edge software systems that harness AI to solve real-world operational challenges. Drive technical strategy, collaborate across teams, and develop full-stack solutions in...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing AI product quality through rigorous testing and requirements management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets user needs and indus...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join our team to ensure high-quality AI product releases by developing test plans, executing tests, and managing requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance product functionality and drive...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, AV Analysis Platform
$224K - $356K *
Pioneer the development of advanced evaluation tools for Autonomous Vehicles, enhancing workflows and system performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that imp...
6 days ago
Senior Infrastructure Test Engineer, DevOps
$120K - $140K *
Unlock your potential as you innovate automated testing solutions for AWS infrastructures and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment confidence and streamline v...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior ML / Evaluation Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and maintaining advanced IT infrastructure platforms, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate with teams to optimize solutions, automate processes, and enhance...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer Microsoft Development Platform (DoD Programs)
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer innovative software solutions for defense programs by leveraging your expertise in C#, .NET, and SQL Server. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, compliant, and high-quali...
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.