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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$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

$120K - $170K *

Lead mobile development efforts, mentoring teams and driving architecture decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality iOS and Android applications, ensuring alignment wi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative full-stack solutions that enhance workflow automation in wealth management. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create impactful features using modern technolog...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$124K - $210K *

Drive customer success by leading a team of engineers to enhance GitLab adoption, develop scalable enablement programs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve measurable business outco...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $190K *

Innovate the deployment process by leading two squads to ensure seamless integration and self-service capabilities for customers, driving measurable outcomes and enhancing product effectiveness in a d...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of multimodal AI by designing scalable data pipelines and workflows. Collaborate across audio, video, and speech domains to enhance model performance and quality. Mentor engineers and...

Menlo Park, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$232K - $319K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading a dynamic team of Solutions Engineers. Drive partner engagement, foster relationships, and execute strategic initiatives to enhance per...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $215K *

Drive transformative initiatives by leading complex, cross-functional programs to deliver impactful digital, data, and operational capabilities while aligning stakeholders and driving project success...

Seattle, WARemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $175K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Data Architect, leading innovative data modeling and integration initiatives. Collaborate with AI Engineers to design scalable datasets and optimize data governance acr...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining data architecture by leading innovative modeling and integration initiatives. Collaborate with AI Engineers to create scalable datasets and optimize performance in a mult...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$239K - $298K *

Discover a pivotal role in shaping the future of our engineering function. Lead a small team to enhance our GTM engine, integrating product and marketing efforts while driving innovation in technology...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Transform complex data systems by designing and implementing scalable solutions that enhance analytics and drive business intelligence in a collaborative, Agile environment focused on healthcare compl...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Champion the development of scalable, cloud-native applications, enhancing data pipelines and integrations. Collaborate with teams to transform raw data into actionable insights, driving improvements...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead the execution of VDC deliverables, ensuring quality standards while coordinating across various project phases. Collaborate with teams to enhance workflows and deliver optimal results in BIM, con...

Henderson, NVRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $150K *

Lead product strategy and execution for a suite of wargaming tools, collaborating with users and engineers to transform complex technical capabilities into impactful solutions in high-stakes environme...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation at the forefront of technology by developing robust full-stack solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance the ERAS Platform, ensuring high-quality, secure, and accessible...

Denver, CORemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in designing and operating high-impact identity systems, driving medium-to-large projects from ambiguity to delivery while ensuring reliability and quality across the enterprise identi...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$154K - $185K *

Drive your career with a Senior Software Engineer role focused on evolving backend architecture and enhancing user experiences through innovative session replay solutions. Collaborate across teams to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$106K - $159K *

Help us build and innovate workforce AI platforms, integrating advanced systems and analytics to enable seamless AI adoption and enhance productivity across the enterprise. Drive measurable impact and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $181K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative AWS cloud solutions for scoring capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and efficiency, while mentoring junior engi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$99K - $149K *

Shape the future of digital recruitment by leading the implementation of innovative solutions. Collaborate with clients to optimize career sites, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced user experi...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$126K - $200K *

Lead technical solutions architecture for HPE storage platforms, guiding partners and sales teams in developing resilient infrastructure solutions. Drive engagement, enablement, and strategic initiati...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.