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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$150K - $215K *

Unlock the potential of technical enablement by managing global projects, developing engaging content, and collaborating with teams to enhance enterprise security solutions and drive go-to-market succ...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $200K *

Grow your career by building and optimizing a cloud-native platform for legal investigations. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance Azure services, containerization, and IaC practices in a fully r...

Washington, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $160K *

Champion cloud and application security by enhancing AWS practices, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement to ensure secure and compliant environments...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Engineer AI-driven integrations and enhance platform capabilities while independently managing client engagements from discovery to certification. Collaborate with sales, design solutions, and ensure...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $100K *

Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...

Pittsfield, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform data into actionable insights by building robust data pipelines, dashboards, and monitoring frameworks. Leverage expertise in Skyline DataMiner to enhance network performance analytics and e...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$107K - $195K *

Advance healthcare technology by designing and developing Java-based solutions for data integration and public health surveillance. Collaborate with experts to enhance application architecture and ens...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$154K - $212K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence across device product areas, managing teams and driving innovation in patient engagement technology. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams while mai...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $149K *

Innovate with us to shape the future of mobile experiences. As a Senior Mobile Engineer, you'll drive the development of high-quality iOS applications, collaborating across teams to ensure performance...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $170K *

Champion the development of scalable software solutions, leading enhancements for invoicing capabilities in an insurance platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensur...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and enhancing infrastructure solutions across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Collaborate with teams and vendors to ensure security, reliability, and performa...

St. Louis, MORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving agile execution across product and engineering teams, managing digital product launches and enhancing client value through innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Drive mobile engineering excellence across diverse product teams, ensuring strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and enhancing delivery. Lead managers, shape architecture, and cultivate a prod...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $210K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI integration, designing secure enterprise architectures that enhance healthcare services for Veterans. Lead initiatives across cloud and on-premise platforms...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team to provision and manage cloud environments, automate deployments, and ensure robust cloud security. Leverage your expertise in AWS or Azure and OpenShift to drive cloud migrations...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $105K *

Drive cloud infrastructure excellence by managing environments, automating deployments, and ensuring security. Collaborate on cloud migrations and capacity planning while producing essential documenta...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$111K - $125K *

Elevate your career by leading impactful engineering projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence while leveraging advanced AI tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape sustainable built envi...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$181K - $226K *

Empower innovation as you develop and optimize networking software, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product features and drive strategic decisions in a fully remote environment...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $289K *

Lead design for an innovative AI-native Strategic Portfolio Management suite. Collaborate with product and engineering leaders to establish design vision and manage a growing team of designers while a...

Mountain View, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $243K *

Lead the charge in transforming financial services technology, connecting strategy to member outcomes while overseeing engineering teams and driving modernization through innovative solutions and coll...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$126K - $150K *

Pioneer the transformation of tax technology and processes, driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and user experience through automation and data-driven solution...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion partner relationships by driving acquisition, onboarding, and business outcomes. Own the full lifecycle of partnerships, develop joint plans, and measure results to fuel growth in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform frontline manager development by leading strategic programs that enhance coaching, deal inspection, and pipeline management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive consistent team performan...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $165K *

Shape the future of consumer applications by leading machine learning and Generative AI initiatives. Build robust data pipelines, develop and deploy models, and drive business impact through experimen...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Partner with us to ensure the quality and reliability of our web-based administrative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate features, identify defects, and maintain comprehens...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.