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.
$96K - $154K *
Accelerate progress at our company by designing and building automated regression capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing efficiency and reliability, ensuring faster r...
6 days ago
Software Development Test Engineer - Remote (WFH)
$95K - $115K *
Champion quality assurance by driving manual and automated testing for web and mobile applications, ensuring compliance and security throughout the development lifecycle while collaborating with Agile...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, OTA Services
$229K - $260K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing a robust OTA update system, ensuring seamless deployment across diverse environments while mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence in distrib...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - SS&C EVOLV
$140K - $160K *
Shape the future of software development by designing and implementing scalable applications while integrating advanced AI solutions and enhancing system architectures to meet enterprise needs and ens...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer (Washington, D.C.)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with clients to design and deploy AI-driven solutions. This role blends engineering and client engagement, enabling you to tackle complex challenges and deliver...
1 week ago
Salesforce Commerce Cloud - Senior QA Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Engage in quality assurance for Salesforce Commerce Cloud projects, ensuring high-performance digital experiences. Collaborate with developers to identify bugs, validate integrations, and maintain tes...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Frontend
$145K - $195K *
Engage in developing high-performance frontend solutions for a pioneering CAD modeling app. Collaborate extensively with backend teams to create integral code-driven functionalities, ensuring a superi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Integrations
$180K - $200K *
Deliver innovative backend solutions that enhance integrations and streamline security workflows. Collaborate with experts to build reliable services, ensuring seamless connectivity and improved inves...
Yesterday
Test & Validation Integration Engineer - Federal Customer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in ensuring seamless deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure by integrating, testing, and validating complex systems in a controlled lab environment, enabling rapid field activat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion high-level software testing solutions, ensuring quality and compliance through meticulous test planning, execution, and documentation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improve...
2 days ago
$130K - $150K *
Transform your career by leveraging your AWS expertise in a dynamic DevOps role. Collaborate with a hands-on team to enhance infrastructure and streamline development processes while tackling complex...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, DevOps
$119K - $167K *
Lead the charge in evolving our cloud infrastructure and CI/CD systems. As a Senior DevOps Engineer, you'll enhance security, reliability, and operational efficiency while mentoring a team and ensurin...
Reposted today
$185K - $225K *
Launch innovative full-stack solutions, owning features from backend to UI. Collaborate with a remote team to enhance agent workflows and ensure secure, reliable experiences in a regulated financial e...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Performance Engineer
$160K - $180K *
Optimize system performance as a Senior Performance Engineer, focusing on latency and resource management. Collaborate with robotics teams to enhance high-throughput execution reliability and efficien...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Payments & Billing
$136K - $160K *
Contribute to innovative software solutions by collaborating with a dynamic team, solving customer challenges, and enhancing product functionality through effective coding and testing practices...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive software development excellence by leading teams, shaping technical direction, and aligning engineering practices with business goals to deliver impactful solutions and enhance user experiences...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer - National Imagery
$123K - $202K *
Innovate advanced GIS and remote sensing software for defense and intelligence, collaborating with a skilled team to enhance analytical workflows and imagery processing capabilities, while mentoring j...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $173K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of software engineering by leading the design and implementation of innovative platforms, driving full-stack development, and mentoring teams to achieve technical...
2 weeks ago
Cloud Security Software Engineer
$115K *
Take ownership of innovative cloud security solutions by engineering autonomous AI tools that meet complex requirements, ensuring robust security and efficiency in high-velocity environments. Drive pr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$70K - $100K *
Take ownership of the Virtual Care Platform by developing and maintaining features in a Python/Django codebase, enhancing internal tools, and ensuring production reliability while collaborating with s...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $145K *
Shape the future of healthcare technology by designing and implementing innovative care management tools. Collaborate with teams to create reliable software solutions while mentoring others and advanc...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Remote)
$160K - $195K *
Shape the future of insurance technology by developing AI-driven full stack solutions. Collaborate across teams to innovate and implement intelligent systems that enhance user experience and streamlin...
4 days ago
$110K - $150K *
Transform the insurance broker experience by developing AI-driven full stack solutions. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and enhance intelligent systems that automate processes and deliv...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer II, Ads Data Solutions Engineering
$192K - $202K *
Lead the technical roadmap and modernize data solutions infrastructure, enhancing off-platform integrations and measurement capabilities while driving AI-first engineering initiatives and cross-team c...
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.