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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$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...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Los Angeles, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

La Plata, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Texas, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Alberta, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Portland, MERemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

CanadaRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer 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.