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.
Senior Software Engineer, Backend (AI Platform)
$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...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Backend (AI Platform)
$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...
3 days ago
Cleared DevOps Lead Engineer Hybrid
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer (Mobile Native)
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
Today
Manager, Customer Success Engineering
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Integrations & Platform
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Multimedia & Multimodal AI
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering, MSSP
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 1 month ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - GTM
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
4 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - Backend
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Product Manager (Modeling & Simulation)
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Today
Senior Software Engineer (Identity)
$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...
1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer - Session Replay | USA | Remote
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Developer - Workforce AI, IT AI COE
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week 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.