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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$117K - $168K *

Join us to deliver exceptional technical support for HPS systems globally. Collaborate with a dynamic team to resolve customer inquiries, enhance satisfaction, and maintain expertise in process contro...

Houston, TXRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $264K *

Drive innovation by leading software development initiatives, enhancing platform capabilities, and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to deliver scalable solutions while applying cloud-nati...

Bellevue, WARemote

1 week ago

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

$132K - $264K *

Transform the software landscape by delivering scalable solutions and driving the full development lifecycle. Collaborate across teams to enhance system resilience and integrate AI/ML components, fost...

Bellevue, WARemote

1 week ago

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

$173K - $233K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and development of scalable, high-availability systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance our card loan platform, ensuring robust performance and driving imp...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Engage as a hands-on architect to design and implement AI solutions, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards and governance. Collaborate with teams to accelerate adoption and maintain best practi...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$66K - $106K *

Help us ensure software quality by developing and executing automated test scripts, assisting in defect tracking, and supporting adherence to rigorous quality standards within an Agile environment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join us to architect and automate cloud-native infrastructures while engaging directly with clients. Leverage your expertise in AI and DevOps to drive strategic solutions that align technology with bu...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team as a senior technical leader, driving innovative platform solutions and enhancing integration processes. Collaborate across teams to improve user experiences and streamline operati...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $175K *

Advance application security initiatives by leading manual code reviews, penetration tests, and threat modeling. Work closely with clients to strengthen their secure development processes, delivering...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $125K *

Engineer innovative web applications in clinical research, driving full-stack development, client collaboration, and system enhancements to deliver high-quality solutions that meet evolving business n...

Markham, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$171K - $300K *

Champion the evolution of a high-volume data platform, collaborating with engineering and product teams to enhance reliability and efficiency while mentoring senior engineers and driving innovative AI...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of software development by creating scalable user experiences and API solutions. Join a collaborative Agile team to drive product life cycles, innovate services, and ensure top-notch...

Oak Brook, ILRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Transform the future of technology by enhancing system reliability and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to diagnose issues, optimize operations, and ensure seamless customer experiences in critica...

Oak Brook, ILRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $110K *

Empower corporate veterinary groups by driving software adoption and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategic partnerships, influence decisions, and enhance customer satisf...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$265K - $279K *

Empower your career by leading the Enterprise Fulfillment engineering team, setting technical vision, owning engineering roadmaps, and fostering a culture of excellence with 10+ engineers while collab...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in transforming engineering processes for Jama, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and technical excellence. Drive integration, training, and support while managing a divers...

Merrimack, NHRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by driving innovative cloud engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software development practices, troubleshoot issues, and improve system perf...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$128K - $184K *

Innovate as a Software Engineer, building backend services for secure access in complex environments. Collaborate with experts to enhance performance and reliability while expanding your skills in dis...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Empower the deployment of Siemens Teamcenter across complex PLM environments. In this hands-on role, you'll lead installation, configuration, and administration, ensuring reliable practices and troubl...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Drive operational excellence by supporting managed services infrastructure, ensuring seamless incident response, systems administration, and network troubleshooting while collaborating with internal t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $130K *

Innovate software solutions by transforming business needs into technical excellence. Collaborate across teams to enhance software quality, reliability, and maintainability while mentoring peers and d...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining customer trust through innovative engineering. Lead squads to automate security assessments, driving strategic roadmaps while fostering a high-accountability culture and...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$173K - $255K *

Empower your career by leading the design and implementation of AI systems. Drive innovation in backend architecture, ensuring scalability and security while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$173K - $255K *

Drive innovation in AI systems by designing and building scalable backend solutions, ensuring security and governance while enhancing developer productivity and operational health across diverse workl...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$149K - $218K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of government tech solutions. Lead and innovate within a dedicated engineering team, delivering high-quality software in a dynamic environment while collaborating...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.