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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$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...

Oregon, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

Arkansas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Georgia, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Ashburn, VARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

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.