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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$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...

Mountain View, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Atlanta, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Utah, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Davenport, IARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Madison, WIRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Indianapolis, INRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Oklahoma City, OKRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Jackson, MSRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.