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.
$100K - $120K *
Drive your career with a hands-on role leading the administration of an enterprise QA platform ecosystem, focusing on operational support, incident management, and strategic transitions to cloud solut...
2 days ago
$96K - $148K *
Lead the charge in developing and optimizing custom applications on our enterprise ITSM platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows, deliver value in an Agile environment, a...
1 month ago
Senior Engineer, ARM Platform Security - RICOCHET - Central Technology
$115K - $213K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced anti-cheat technologies for Windows on ARM, ensuring fair gameplay for millions. Collaborate across teams to enhance security frameworks and tackle complex chall...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results on time while effectively co...
3 weeks ago
Principal Program Manager, Solution Sales
$170K - $222K *
Drive strategic transformation initiatives across Product, GTM, and Operations. Lead cross-functional teams, manage complex portfolios, and deliver measurable results while fostering clarity and accou...
4 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Observability)
$181K - $241K *
Join a team that's redefining observability by leading the architecture of a high-volume telemetry pipeline, mentoring engineers, and driving cross-functional projects to enhance system performance an...
Today
Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Observability)
$230K - $290K *
Drive the architecture and strategy for a high-volume telemetry platform, mentoring a team while collaborating across functions to enhance observability practices and ensure system reliability at scal...
Yesterday
Sr. Program Analyst - Transformation
$125K - $160K *
Lead the charge in driving operational excellence and transformation by translating business needs into actionable requirements, managing delivery workflows, and enhancing the Revenue Intelligence por...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform complex data into actionable insights by owning end-to-end data initiatives. Design scalable pipelines and models that enhance product features and analytics, ensuring data quality and relia...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Security Engineer
$172K - $240K *
Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...
3 weeks ago
Model Test and Measurement Engineer
$150K - $190K *
Elevate your career by ensuring AI systems perform reliably and transparently. As a key evaluator, you'll validate models, design audits, and provide critical insights that drive improvements and supp...
4 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Partner Integrations Platform
$145K - $160K *
Drive innovation by building scalable data integration solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance healthcare technology. Ensure data quality and security while optimizing performa...
Yesterday
Software Engineer II | ML & AI (REMOTE)
$90K - $170K *
Invent innovative software solutions and collaborate with diverse teams to deliver secure, scalable applications. Engage in continuous learning, agile practices, and hands-on development while contrib...
Reposted yesterday
$140K - $184K *
Pioneer the development and operational convergence through automation, designing CI/CD pipelines and driving release process efficiency to enhance software delivery across diverse teams and projects...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $185K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic data engineering team, shaping scalable data pipelines, and driving innovative data solutions to enhance enterprise data strategies and execution efficiency a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Systems Software Engineer, CUDA and AI HW Profiler
$152K - $287K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge GPU performance tools for AI and HPC. Your expertise will shape innovative profiling solutions, empowering CUDA engineers globally to maximize GPU capabiliti...
1 week ago
$118K - $134K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative software solutions in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Contribute to modernizing business applications while working closely with IT and business teams t...
Yesterday
$113K - $170K *
Lead the charge in transforming customer integrations by driving technical discovery, scoping complex implementations, and ensuring successful onboarding for high-stakes accounts. Collaborate closely...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Partner Technology Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...
1 week ago
Lead Platform Engineer, AI and DevSecOps
$155K - $175K *
Empower engineering teams by leading the evolution of cloud, security, and AI operations. Drive platform reliability and DevSecOps practices while mentoring others to foster a collaborative, innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Transformation Manager, Technical Support (East Coast)
$132K - $150K *
Elevate the Technical Support transformation by driving strategic initiatives across Customer Experience. Own the execution of comprehensive plans, manage vital partnerships, and ensure success throug...
1 month ago
Cloud Programs Analyst SME - Technical Background
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of IT modernization by crafting compelling executive briefings. Collaborate with technical teams to translate cloud infrastructure insights into clear narratives for government le...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Solutions Engineer, MSSP Partner
$224K - $308K *
Transform the MSSP partner landscape by driving adoption, building relationships, and integrating cutting-edge solutions. Collaborate with partners to enhance technical offerings and ensure success ac...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Operations Program Management
$125K - $211K *
Join our dynamic team as you lead new product launches in hardware manufacturing. Oversee cross-functional collaborations, manage operational risks, and drive high-quality production strategies that s...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Proactive Security - Platform
$193K - $285K *
Empower the Security Engineering team by leading the technical vision for platform hardening across global operations, ensuring a secure and resilient delivery network through innovative practices and...
4 weeks ago
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.