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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$128K - $160K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative AI and automation solutions, translating complex business needs into technical designs. Collaborate across teams to enhance productivity and drive continuous i...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $286K *

Drive innovation by delivering scalable software solutions through cloud-native architecture, AI/ML integration, and technical leadership. Collaborate across teams to enhance productivity and ensure a...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

Yesterday

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

$208K - $312K *

Drive IAM strategies across corporate and production environments, defining architecture, standards, and automating processes. Lead initiatives that enhance security, simplify access, and empower team...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $275K *

Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $120K *

Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$204K - $290K *

Manage the Resilience Engineering team to enhance system reliability through production load testing and chaos engineering while fostering a proactive safety culture across engineering practices...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$181K - $241K *

Join our team to lead innovative resilience engineering practices, focusing on proactive validation, load testing, and chaos engineering, enhancing the safety and reliability of production systems whi...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Architect solutions to enhance DevOps teams' security by managing pre-sales technical support, conducting product demos, and serving as a subject matter expert in CI/CD integrations and workflows. Eng...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join us in shaping the future of enterprise compliance! As a key engineer, you'll design and deliver a robust org model that empowers complex security structures, ensuring seamless integration for our...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Innovate by owning the architectural foundation for enterprise compliance. Lead complex initiatives, design scalable solutions, and drive alignment across teams to enhance security programs for divers...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative scientific software for MPAS infrastructure, enhancing model integration and performance across HPC platforms while collaborating with diverse teams to advance...

College Park, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$165K - $185K *

Shape the future of cloud management by leading a dynamic team in delivering VMware by Broadcom solutions. Drive technical excellence, mentor talent, and ensure high-quality service delivery for enter...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to elevating client support standards. You'll troubleshoot complex issues, foster client relationships, and collaborate with developers to enhance product documentation an...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and managing Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters, ensuring reliability and security while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and inc...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$181K - $290K *

Take ownership of the end-to-end monthly release engine, ensuring platform readiness, coherence in go-to-market strategies, and building scalable operating mechanisms in collaboration with cross-funct...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of software integration by developing scalable solutions using Kotlin, Java, and React. You'll contribute across the full development lifecycle while collaborating with cross-function...

Calgary, ABRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$139K - $203K *

Architect and develop high-performance backend services, leading complex initiatives and driving technical design decisions to enhance Splunk's enterprise observability and security platform while col...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $170K *

Lead the charge in optimizing data pipelines and infrastructure, driving enterprise analytics initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to harness vast datasets, enabling strategic business...

Toronto, ONRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation as a Staff Cloud Platform Engineer, enhancing cloud capabilities and leading teams to deliver exceptional deployment experiences through automation and modern tooling...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$145K - $199K *

Lead the charge in shaping innovative learning programs that drive organizational growth. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance professional development and ensure the strategic execution of initia...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$173K - $233K *

Lead the design and scaling of large-scale distributed SQL databases, enhancing infrastructure reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions and en...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Champion the deployment of cutting-edge AI systems in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to ensure seamless installation and operation of hardware and software, while providing exceptional c...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Help us advance Geospatial AI by developing cloud-native services and backend systems. Collaborate with top engineers and data scientists to create innovative solutions that transform vast data into a...

Redmond, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of Geospatial AI by developing cloud-native services and backend systems. Collaborate with top engineers and data scientists to deliver innovative solutions that transform vast data i...

Springfield, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a Software/ML Engineer, collaborating on cutting-edge Geospatial AI projects. Contribute to cloud-native services and backend systems, driving innovation from concept to deplo...

Reston, VARemote

1 week 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.