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, Watch SW Remote Compose
$207K - $300K *
Elevate the technical landscape by defining the roadmap for the RemoteCompose rendering stack, collaborating across teams to enhance Android platform integration and performance while mentoring engine...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion identity lifecycle management by automating access processes, ensuring compliance, and enhancing security posture. Collaborate with teams to identify anomalies and streamline auditing while m...
Yesterday
$84K - $131K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative Java applications, leveraging Spring Boot and DevSecOps practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance web-based solutions while integrating AI...
2 days ago
$122K - $183K *
Transform the aerospace certification landscape by leading process development, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality softwa...
1 week ago
Distinguished, Software Engineer - Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) Technology
$169K - $338K *
Drive innovation as a technical leader in designing scalable, cloud-native AI systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational excellence and mentor engineers, ensuring high standards in softw...
3 weeks ago
Field Service Engineer -Southeast
$90K - $115K *
Join us to support advanced Warehouse Robotics in the field, delivering exceptional service and solutions to our North American customers. Leverage your technical expertise and customer empathy to dri...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...
2 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving scalable cloud infrastructure, driving architectural strategy, and enhancing operational culture while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet ambit...
Yesterday
$130K - $155K *
Build and automate security solutions within the software development lifecycle, enhancing application and cloud security through hands-on collaboration and systemic risk evaluation. Lead initiatives...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior System Software Engineer - Slurm
$140K - $270K *
Drive software development and system optimization in a hybrid role, focusing on Linux systems programming and technical support. Collaborate with teams to enhance Slurm performance and reliability wh...
Yesterday
Supervisor, Application Development
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading software development initiatives and guiding a high-performing team. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure cohesive delivery and operational excellence in a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Subject Matter Expert (Mechanical) - Rolling Stock Engineering
$165K - $193K *
Drive the future of rail engineering by managing complex rolling stock projects. Leverage your expertise in vehicle design and modifications to ensure quality and compliance while mentoring teams and...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop and enhance enterprise-level applications using Java and J2EE. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage project implementations, ensuring quality and performance while providing 24x7...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of security engineering by implementing robust controls, enhancing monitoring, and driving risk management initiatives. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and operational e...
Yesterday
Senior AI Product Engineer, Fullstack
$125K - $225K *
Unlock innovation by building scalable, user-centric applications in TypeScript and React. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance AI-driven solutions, ensuring top performance in ML observabili...
Reposted today
Senior Platform Software Engineer
$150K - $200K *
Lead the charge in modernizing backend capabilities and AWS infrastructure, ensuring secure, reliable software development at scale. Collaborate with teams to enhance platform usability and drive prod...
Today
$180K - $250K *
Tackle systemic challenges by building tools and practices that enhance performance, scalability, and decision-making across engineering teams, fostering collaboration and driving solutions that bridg...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer (Integrations)
$164K - $200K *
Shape the future of software integration by leading a team to develop a robust ERP connector framework, ensuring data integrity and seamless communication between systems while driving architectural d...
1 week ago
$143K - $200K *
Innovate solutions as a Senior Appian Developer, tackling complex BPM challenges. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize high-performance applications while mentoring junior develop...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop and maintain core financial platforms, ensuring reliability and data integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement scalable solutions and enhance platform performance in a re...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Python + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $145K *
Join us to tackle complex AI challenges by embedding with enterprise teams, architecting robust solutions, and ensuring production readiness. Your expertise will drive impactful results in regulated i...
Reposted 2 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Python + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining AI solutions by embedding with enterprise clients, architecting robust systems, and ensuring seamless production delivery. Collaborate across roles to tackle complex chal...
Reposted 2 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Python + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $145K *
Deliver innovative AI solutions by collaborating with enterprise teams, architecting systems, and ensuring production readiness. Engage in consulting, engineering, and operational roles to drive impac...
Reposted 2 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Python + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by embedding with enterprise teams to architect and deliver AI solutions. This multifaceted role combines consulting, engineering, and operational expertise to drive impactful results...
Reposted 3 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Python + AI) - Remote - USA
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in architecting and deploying AI solutions within enterprise teams, ensuring robust system performance and client satisfaction through hands-on engineering and consulting expertise...
Reposted 4 days 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.