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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$180K - $195K *

Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $210K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance specialty prescription processes. Drive strategic direction, foster collaboration, and ensure delivery excellence while managing multi...

Columbus, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative software solutions by providing technical sales support, leading product demonstrations, and addressing client needs. Collaborate with sales teams to enhance user experiences and d...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$172K - $229K *

Lead the charge in designing and validating complex systems for autonomous vehicle performance, ensuring seamless integration between software, operations, and customer interfaces to support the launc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$93K - $150K *

Support and optimize cloud-based contact center platforms, ensuring service availability and excellent customer experience. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot complex issues and enhance operationa...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Reimagine payroll processes by building and managing US and international payroll systems. Own compliance, tax filings, and month-end close while collaborating with teams to ensure accuracy and effici...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $300K *

Transform the infrastructure for AI applications, enabling seamless app development, hosting, and integration. Drive innovation in a dynamic environment, impacting thousands of users with scalable, re...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to design and build backend services, APIs, and AI-native workflows, optimizing energy solutions. Collaborate with product teams to deliver innovative features and scale developmen...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$191K *

Deliver innovative backend solutions for tax reporting and compliance, ensuring accuracy and scalability across all Coinbase products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system design an...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$170K - $250K *

Unlock potential by owning a product area end-to-end, collaborating with engineering and customers to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions in a dynamic market...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$135K - $160K *

Transform observability in AI with strategic vision, driving technical progress across systems and agent telemetry, while enhancing developer experiences and guiding product direction at the intersect...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI evaluation strategies and infrastructure, ensuring quality and reliability across multi-tenant systems. Collaborate with senior teams to enhance product decisions through robu...

Georgia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $135K *

Optimize business operations by providing strategic project support to senior leadership, enhancing recruitment processes, and analyzing market data to drive informed decision-making and improve captu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$107K - $204K *

Engage with us to develop and enhance cloud-hosted applications, driving modernization and new initiatives. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions that meet bus...

Connecticut, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $195K *

Transform infrastructure reliability by leading innovative projects, architecting scalable solutions, and collaborating cross-functionally. Drive technical excellence and mentor teams while ensuring o...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $215K *

Transform our Seller Platform by leading software architecture and development, collaborating across functions, and mentoring junior engineers to enhance technical solutions and ensure project success...

California, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$131K - $176K *

Shape the future of sales excellence by owning end-to-end seller experiences. You’ll optimize workflows, create impactful solutions, and directly influence our revenue systems through innovative produ...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $110K *

Elevate the insurance broker experience by developing AI-driven full stack solutions. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and optimize intelligent systems that automate processes and delive...

CanadaRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$114K - $190K *

Build a resilient Site Reliability Engineering practice, leading a global team to enhance cloud platform reliability, scalability, and operational excellence while fostering collaboration and continuo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$166K - $230K *

Empower your career as a Senior Infrastructure Engineer focusing on enhancing Lakehouse infrastructure, security, and cost efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize data p...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Transform our GPU infrastructure into a seamless, self-serve platform for researchers and engineers, ensuring efficient job scheduling, robust reliability, and consistent performance across multiple c...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of innovative SaaS solutions by driving full stack development, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and delivering exceptional applications with a focus on scalability and performa...

Toronto, ONRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$164K - $226K *

Transform the identity and access landscape by designing scalable systems for user management, authentication, and authorization. Collaborate with security teams to ensure robust, secure solutions tha...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$78K - $98K *

Shape the future of AEC workflows by leading product ownership and Agile delivery for an Engineering Tools team. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize needs, validate outcomes...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.