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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1
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$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

$200K - $322K *

Lead the charge in driving open source adoption and governance. Manage community infrastructure, contributor pathways, and post-launch plans to ensure sustainable project growth and engagement across...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $115K *

Optimize quality analytics and reporting for program deliverables, ensuring compliance with standards and client expectations. Collaborate with senior leaders to provide actionable insights and drive...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $213K *

Elevate your career by designing scalable backend systems that enhance customer engagement and streamline growth. Leverage your expertise to shape impactful solutions in a collaborative, remote-first...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$85K - $170K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing innovative ServiceNow solutions that enhance enterprise workflows and IT service management, ensuring platform stability and continuous improvement throu...

Mclean, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $350K *

Transform complex AI research into scalable, reliable systems. Collaborate across teams to architect and enhance backend services, ensuring robust infrastructure for model training and data collection...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$131K - $164K *

Drive transformative data migration initiatives by leading complex enterprise conversions, aligning cross-functional teams, and enhancing operational strategies to ensure successful onboarding and cus...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Drive the evolution of critical DNS infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence, collaborating across teams, and enhancing production services through automation and API development...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $227K *

Join a dynamic team to lead enterprise healthcare solutions, driving technology strategy and AI adoption while mentoring junior staff and aligning IT initiatives with business goals for enhanced patie...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$120K - $145K *

Transform software solutions by leading architecture and design efforts, mentoring teams, and driving modernization initiatives. Collaborate across divisions to enhance public services while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing secure development solutions for enterprise customers, enhancing CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices while fostering strong technical relationships th...

Massachusetts, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$122K - $227K *

Develop and secure AI/ML evaluation infrastructure, ensuring robust testing and validation of systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security practices and methodologies, driving...

New Jersey, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform integration testing by collaborating with leads to ensure high-quality, validated solutions. Drive operational testing and develop strategies that meet clinical standards, enhancing client s...

Wellesley, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving transformational outcomes by leading high-value sales cycles with major SLED accounts. Leverage your enterprise sales expertise to build trusted relationships and deliver im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $135K *

Engage with engineers and executives to create compelling technical content that showcases innovative CAD solutions. Deliver presentations, demos, and tutorials that highlight product features and the...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$140K - $160K *

Lead a global software engineering function, driving high-impact initiatives and overseeing multiple teams to deliver scalable, secure products for millions. Foster innovation and accountability while...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$142K - $236K *

Drive innovation in cybersecurity by leading technical initiatives for MSSP partners and AI security solutions. Leverage your expertise to design, scale, and secure managed services while mentoring te...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate by building robust Go microservices for a multi-tenant AI platform. Collaborate with global teams to design API-first services, ensuring reliability and performance in production environments...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $240K *

Innovate solutions at the intersection of cloud technology and engineering. Lead AWS projects, mentor teams, and drive best practices while ensuring delivery excellence across multiple client engageme...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by supporting and optimizing D365 Finance & Operations modules. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance processes, and ensure seamless system performance for retail ope...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform enterprise growth by leading AWS initiatives in Banking and Insurance. Build strategic relationships, drive sales, and execute plans to enhance customer experiences while managing complex co...

Orlando, FLRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $165K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Developer, enhancing security tools through innovative web applications. Collaborate in an agile environment to design, develop, and maintain solutions that support c...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Innovate LLM-powered systems and workflows, enhancing claims automation and customer guidance. Lead end-to-end product delivery, ensuring security and quality while collaborating with cross-functional...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $220K *

Pioneer innovative solutions by collaborating with defense clients to operationalize real-time intelligence. Design and deploy data pipelines and applications on Palantir Foundry, ensuring mission-cri...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.