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.
Software/ML Engineer (Top-Secret)
$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...
1 week ago
Software/ML Engineer (Top-Secret)
$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...
1 week ago
Software/ML Engineer (Top-Secret)
$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...
1 week ago
Security Engineer, 2027 Graduate U.S.
$110K - $173K *
Join us to develop and maintain security tools, investigate risks, and enhance team operations. Collaborate with experienced engineers while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment, se...
4 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Drive your career with a dynamic team focused on building innovative products that delight users. As a Product Manager, you'll lead impactful projects, collaborate closely with engineers, and shape th...
1 week ago
$118K - $186K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Data Engineering team to build scalable data solutions that drive critical business decisions and foster a data-driven culture across the organization...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $110K *
Champion the implementation and support of Windows Server environments, ensuring optimal performance and security across diverse customer infrastructures while collaborating with technical teams and s...
Today
$215K - $235K *
Innovate security architecture and engineering solutions to enhance our brokerage platform. Lead complex initiatives, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance while securing AWS, Kubernetes, and corpor...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, AI Agent
$100K - $350K *
Innovate and take ownership of cutting-edge AI coding solutions, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate on system design and product features while leveraging advanced engineering practices to...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Support Engineer
$120K - $137K *
Empower customers as a Senior Technical Support Engineer, solving complex technical issues with modern tools while enhancing user experience, collaborating with engineering, and shaping innovative sup...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Unlock potential by delivering innovative robotic solutions, ensuring seamless integration and operational success for customers. Collaborate, troubleshoot, and enhance system performance while provid...
1 week ago
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
3 weeks ago
Backend Platform Engineer - Hapiko
$136K - $182K *
Drive the development of a cutting-edge voice-activated sticker printer, ensuring robust backend systems, real-time connections, and scalable infrastructure while maintaining safety and performance st...
Yesterday
Member of Technical Staff (Site Reliability Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure)
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring reliability at scale. You'll manage compute, networking, and storage, driving performance and stability while adapting to rapid changes in production environme...
2 days ago
Lead Solution Engineer, ECS, Public Sector
$138K - $185K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative cloud solutions for public sector clients. Collaborate with sales teams to address customer needs, present compelling technology demonstrations, and secure techn...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer - Virtualization
$171K - $288K *
Join a team that's dedicated to shaping cutting-edge engineering platforms for embedded software, driving innovation in software-defined vehicles. Lead cross-team initiatives, and ensure high-quality...
Reposted 1 week ago
API/Integration Engineer (Journeyman)
$95K - $115K *
Innovate and enhance data interoperability by designing, building, and maintaining secure APIs and integration services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless data exchange and su...
3 days ago
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of platform engineering, driving innovation across cloud, DevOps, and site reliability. This role empowers you to build core services, enhance architecture, and m...
Reposted 1 week ago
Forward Deployed Engineer II (Remote, US)
$160K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of technology by owning deployments, solving complex problems, and driving strategic initiatives for major clients. Collaborate closely with engineering and custom...
4 days ago
Technical Leader, SIte Reliability Engineer
$214K - $309K *
Optimize our Kubernetes platform as you lead initiatives that enhance reliability and scalability across cloud and on-premises settings. Collaborate with teams to achieve critical goals while mentorin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$170K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing API, Web, and Mobile teams, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with product goals while driving technical ownership and fostering team grow...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Program Manager, Infrastructure Programs
$130K - $170K *
Execute end-to-end digital onboarding of complex AI data center infrastructure, managing cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery, stability, and optimization of high-performance systems for p...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of marketing by designing and deploying AI-driven growth systems. This hands-on role merges engineering and marketing to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations thro...
Today
Technical Program Manager, Industrial Controls, R&D
$144K - $211K *
Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...
Reposted today
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.