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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$75K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team as you support sales operations by delivering precise price quotations and coordinating solutions. Collaborate across functions to drive business success and enhance customer relat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and automate CI/CD infrastructure for medical device software, ensuring compliance and enhancing software delivery processes in a regulated environment...

Waltham, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $100K *

Deliver full-stack development for a federal healthcare application, collaborating with Agile teams to enhance file management capabilities, ensuring secure and efficient file transfers while maintain...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $234K *

Elevate the developer experience by partnering with external teams to integrate seamlessly with the API ecosystem. Provide technical guidance, troubleshoot issues, and enhance tools while collaboratin...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$146K - $206K *

Reimagine data infrastructure by designing and scaling backend systems, collaborating across teams, and driving innovative use cases. Leverage technologies like AWS, Kafka, and Flink to enhance data e...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$170K - $220K *

Champion the delivery of complex, AI-driven projects by leading cross-functional teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring successful outcomes through effective execution and strategic planni...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$102K - $128K *

Innovate the mobile experience for a global courier network by architecting premier solutions in Kotlin. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product features and ensure high-quality soft...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$115K - $149K *

Take ownership of IAM/PAM systems, driving strategy and implementation for human and AI identities. Leverage expertise in SailPoint, BeyondTrust, and Microsoft Entra to enhance security and governance...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$102K - $120K *

Lead high-impact proposal efforts globally, managing complex RFIs and RFPs. Drive collaboration, ensure quality, and optimize strategies for proposal submissions in a fast-paced, deadline-focused envi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading AWS cloud engineering and DevOps practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable digital services while enhancing platform capabilities and o...

Washington, DCRemote

6 days ago

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

$170K - $280K *

Champion software design and development across multiple teams, enhancing delivery speed and quality. Leverage technical expertise to foster innovation and streamline processes while ensuring alignmen...

Georgia, USRemote

Today

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

$100K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing customer success through technical expertise. You'll build strong relationships with enterprise clients, guiding them in adopting our products and ensuring th...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic QA team to enhance Calypso's functionality by translating business requirements into comprehensive test cases for the Front Office. Your expertise will ensure robust test execution and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $140K *

Join a team that's transforming digital services by delivering innovative Salesforce solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance CRM capabilities, ensuring secure and efficient platform delive...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining the Software Development Lifecycle and Developer Experience. Lead global strategies, build innovative offerings, and drive transformation for clients, leveraging expertis...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $197K *

Help us enhance Grafana's data source plugins, ensuring reliability and seamless integration for users worldwide. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions and improve observabil...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career with senior-level expertise in data architecture and warehousing. Drive data integration and management, ensuring effective solutions for Occupational Environmental Health practice...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $160K *

Champion the design and implementation of scalable data pipelines, ensuring data integrity and availability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and enhance infrastructu...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $124K *

Join a team that's transforming data center solutions. As an Application Engineer, you'll shape technical strategies, collaborate with key industry players, and ensure seamless project execution in a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $246K *

Join us to design and deliver cutting-edge AI systems across ML, generative AI, and agentic workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful solutions while mentoring engineers a...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $130K *

Join a team that designs and builds robust backend services and APIs, driving impactful features on our cloud platform. Collaborate in Agile sprints, own your domain, and develop scalable solutions th...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing comprehensive test strategies, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and quality standards for software releases. Collaborate with diverse teams to e...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate your career as a technical leader, architecting scalable systems and driving DevOps initiatives. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance product reliability and mentor engineers while en...

Nye, MTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $178K *

Innovate your career by joining a dynamic team to enhance game design workflows, bridging design and engineering to streamline processes and elevate player experiences in a collaborative environment...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

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.