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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$130K - $155K *

Join a team that designs and deploys lab environments for Cloud Security Posture Management using advanced OpenStack expertise. Contribute to testing and validating API-based security tools in multi-t...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $120K *

Elevate your career by managing IT operations, vendor relationships, and internal projects. Lead endpoint management and ensure service quality while driving technology transitions and compliance init...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $344K *

Engage in system engineering excellence by designing and maintaining SAP S/4 solutions. Collaborate across teams to optimize business processes and ensure robust integration, delivering scalable solut...

Three Rivers, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $145K *

Innovate and enhance user experiences by designing and developing robust software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful projects while mentoring junior engineers and...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$139K - $159K *

Empower change by collaborating with state agencies to integrate innovative data solutions. Leverage your technical expertise to solve complex challenges and enhance our platform, driving impactful ou...

Oakland, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$87K - $139K *

Architect scalable software solutions to enhance payment processing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications while modernizing platforms and implementing m...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of IT infrastructure and security operations, driving the migration to a Nutanix-based IaaS environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance security, compliance, and automation, utilizin...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Develop and optimize scalable web applications using TypeScript, Java, and Node.js. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative AI-powered solutions while ensuring code quality and performance in a d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$220K - $250K *

Drive the product roadmap for Unify Release Orchestration, enhancing developer experience while coordinating releases across multiple services, engaging customers, and leading initiatives for AI-nativ...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $192K *

Join a team that's implementing robust security controls across multiple brands, safeguarding employees and enhancing productivity through automation and secure practices. Collaborate globally while l...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$122K - $153K *

Champion technical solutions by advising C-Suite leaders, driving sales support, and customizing product demos. Utilize financial software expertise to enhance client relationships and streamline sale...

New York, NYRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$103K - $163K *

Lead innovative civil engineering projects, ensuring compliance with regulations while managing construction for water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-qu...

Issaquah, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$133K - $183K *

Build and scale innovative Cache Services, enhancing data infrastructure and automating workflows to optimize performance and reliability. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful solutions that dr...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $190K *

Unlock your potential as a senior technical leader, designing and operating enterprise-scale data platforms. Drive modernization, mentor engineers, and ensure analytical correctness while tackling com...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Champion a high-performing engineering team, guiding their growth while actively contributing to software development. Collaborate across functions to align goals and foster an inclusive culture, driv...

Columbus, OHRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive mobile engineering excellence by leading app development, mentoring engineers, and integrating AI solutions to enhance user experiences across iOS and Android platforms while collaborating with...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$115K - $164K *

Elevate your software engineering career as you lead projects, enhance CI/CD workflows, and mentor team members, ensuring high quality and reliability in our autonomous driving technology initiatives...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $250K *

Shape the future of cloud-native architecture by leading design and development of scalable, secure systems. Collaborate across teams to drive technical vision and mentor engineers, enhancing product...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Innovate solutions in Salesforce Health Cloud, collaborating with teams to enhance functionality and user experience while leveraging your technical expertise in JavaScript and Node.js to resolve issu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $185K *

Lead and inspire engineering teams to deliver high-quality digital products, ensuring alignment with business priorities while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in a dyna...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Analyze technical sales opportunities from discovery to close, leveraging AI tools and client data to drive business cases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation an...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$158K - $234K *

Lead the charge in architecting and delivering robust identity and authentication solutions. Drive cross-team initiatives, enhance engineering standards, and mentor talent to elevate technical excelle...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Transform engineering productivity by developing and optimizing tools, modernizing workflows, and integrating automation within cloud platforms for enhanced operational efficiency...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Engineer robust security solutions by assessing web applications and APIs. Leverage your expertise in OWASP and SANS frameworks to identify vulnerabilities, conduct thorough testing, and enhance secur...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead customer engagement through technical discovery and deployment, integrating AI solutions while collaborating with Sales, Product, and Engineering teams. Drive implementation efficiency and bridge...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.