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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1
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$150K - $180K *

Transform enterprise AI deployments by designing, building, and enhancing systems that drive significant business results while fostering strong partnerships with customers and engineering teams...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $168K *

Elevate our sales engineering efforts by driving business opportunities across LATAM and the Eastern US. Collaborate with sales partners to maximize customer value and deliver compelling product demon...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$169K - $338K *

Elevate software engineering excellence by leading complex AI/ML systems, ensuring scalability and reliability. Drive full development lifecycles, foster high-performing teams, and align technology ro...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Empower teams by managing complex technology initiatives from requirements gathering to testing. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable technical requirements, ensur...

Washington, DCRemote

6 days ago

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

$173K - $290K *

Champion innovation in product development platforms, driving strategy and execution for AI-first tools that enhance collaboration and efficiency across teams. Lead the evolution of platforms, ensurin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$152K - $287K *

Empower the future of security engineering by leading security initiatives for complex GPU systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security frameworks and ensure robust mitigation...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$153K - $213K *

Lead a dynamic team to innovate capacity modeling solutions, ensuring optimal resource allocation during peak traffic events. Collaborate across functions to enhance system performance and drive quali...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise endpoint capabilities by designing, securing, and automating solutions for diverse users. Collaborate with cybersecurity and support teams to ensure effective deployment and lifec...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Champion the design and delivery of modern data platforms, focusing on Microsoft Fabric and Azure. Lead client engagements, define architectures, and establish best practices for data solutions across...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform infrastructure by designing and building scalable GPU systems for AI cloud platforms, focusing on virtualization, Kubernetes, and automation to enhance performance and reliability across mul...

Bellevue, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$93K - $156K *

Engage in the end-to-end delivery of complex laboratory projects, ensuring high-quality execution and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders while adapting to dynamic environme...

Boston, MARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $230K *

Join our Enterprise team as a Senior Solutions Engineer, driving success for customers by shaping deal strategies, showcasing platform value, and acting as a trusted advisor. Collaborate across teams...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $100K *

Elevate healthcare interoperability by designing and supporting MEDITECH interfaces. Collaborate with teams to enhance data exchange, improve patient care, and ensure seamless integration across syste...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $135K *

Collaborate to drive technical issue resolution and enhance support systems while serving enterprise clients across our AI platform, ensuring seamless communication and operational excellence in a fas...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Advance innovative DSP solutions for RF communications, collaborating across teams to optimize algorithms and implement on cutting-edge platforms. Drive performance and reliability in mission-critical...

Palm Bay, FLRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $230K *

Empower the Firewall team by defining security standards and remediation strategies. Collaborate with Product and Engineering to translate blue team insights into actionable requirements, ensuring eff...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Engage in the design and implementation of scalable backend systems that transform customer behavior into actionable marketing triggers, ensuring reliability and operational excellence across high-vol...

Toronto, ONRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $180K *

Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by leading DevOps initiatives, enhancing systems integration, and driving innovative solutions for federal clients. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the enhancement of finance systems in a dynamic environment, focusing on optimizing NetSuite and integrating additional solutions. This role involves strategy, system configuration, and process i...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$240K - $330K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of machine learning by leading a high-performing group dedicated to optimizing data pipelines and enhancing perception modeling. Drive innovation and collaboratio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$146K - $195K *

Champion the growth of our Integrations team by leading the delivery of third-party integrations and platform capabilities, fostering a collaborative culture, and driving continuous improvement for im...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$115K - $120K *

Innovate solutions for time capture and billing in a dynamic team. Leverage AI tools to enhance software development, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in invoicing processes while collaborating across...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $140K *

Lead the charge in operational excellence across multiple schools, enhancing leadership effectiveness and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with teams to drive enrollment growth and academic improvemen...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead and develop engineering teams focused on clinical data integration and insights. Drive the direction of data pipelines and ensure impactful, equitable health outcomes through effective collaborat...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Elevate full-stack engineering excellence by delivering scalable, reliable solutions across initiatives, guiding teams, and enhancing processes to drive performance and innovation in a collaborative e...

Wisconsin, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.