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.
Solutions Engineering Manager | DX
$179K - $234K *
Lead the charge in developing a high-performing Solutions Engineering team, driving pre-sales strategies, optimizing processes, and collaborating across functions to enhance customer success and accel...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Big Data)
$135K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to architect and enhance scalable data pipelines, delivering actionable security insights. Collaborate across disciplines to support large data volumes and refine algorithms, makin...
4 weeks ago
Solutions Engineer - Cloud & DevOps
$90K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by designing CI/CD pipelines and automating processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance development efficiency while ensuring system compliance and security across AWS and Azure...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Advance program execution by leading cross-functional teams to deliver AI initiatives. Collaborate with remote developers, manage Agile processes, and ensure alignment with business goals while drivin...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer - Onboarding and Migrations
$156K - $196K *
Develop and maintain scalable backend applications and data pipelines, leveraging cloud infrastructure and modern programming languages to enhance system performance and support data analytics, while...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer | Platform Team
$225K - $260K *
Lead the charge in enhancing our platform's foundation. Tackle complex systems, improve developer tooling, and drive AI tool adoption to elevate engineering practices and platform performance across a...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Web Application Services
$155K - $190K *
Empower the evolution of web-based services by architecting solutions that enhance user experiences and drive growth, leading cross-functional collaboration while mentoring engineers and establishing...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Developer Platform (DevEx)
$157K - $224K *
Champion the evolution of developer tooling and CI/CD pipelines, leading a global team to enhance operational efficiency and drive platform modernization for a multi-tenant SaaS environment, ensuring...
3 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Image Build & Release
$229K - $260K *
Drive the technical direction for building and delivering containerized applications, ensuring reliability and security across deployments. Collaborate with teams to enhance automation and mentor engi...
6 days ago
ZTPF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
$130K *
Join a team that's enhancing zTPF environments by providing technical expertise, automating processes, and ensuring reliable operations. Collaborate across teams to tackle challenges and improve perfo...
Reposted 3 days ago
Lead AWS Cloud DevOps Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Drive the design and optimization of AWS cloud environments, leading migration strategies while fostering collaboration and technical excellence across DevOps teams. Shape the future of automation and...
1 month ago
Senior QA Automation Developer, Integrations
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving automation for major enterprise platform initiatives. Lead the design and scaling of automated test frameworks, ensuring quality meets the pace of change across development...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior QA Automation Developer, Integrations
$100K - $120K *
Champion quality by architecting and maintaining scalable automated test suites, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance CI/CD processes and ensure robust testing coverage for enterprise...
4 weeks ago
Senior Backend Engineer - AI Platform
$121K - $145K *
Lead the design and development of high-performance web applications, integrating with backend services to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations across various platforms, focusing on...
Reposted 1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer - Tooling & Automation
$125K - $135K *
Architect a unified operational dashboard connecting diverse alert systems to streamline monitoring and enhance triage efficiency, ensuring critical alerts are prioritized and effectively routed...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Backend Software Engineer
$144K - $189K *
Join a team that's driving complex projects from design to launch, tackling architecture challenges and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to implement scalable solutions while ensuring cod...
1 week ago
$120K - $190K *
Accelerate your career by validating and testing complex satellite communications systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust performance and mission su...
1 week ago
$150K - $234K *
Innovate by developing and enhancing software solutions that meet business needs, ensuring high performance and scalability while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver quality applications and ma...
Today
$90K - $180K *
Develop innovative software solutions by leading engineering teams, managing complex projects, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance business processes and drive technical excellence...
Today
$127K - $216K *
Engineer innovative solutions as you guide teams in developing complex software projects. Collaborate across functions to troubleshoot issues, implement designs, and ensure timely delivery while enhan...
Yesterday
$108K - $216K *
Reimagine software solutions by developing, testing, and maintaining applications. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance user experiences and ensure high-quality deliverables while leveraging moder...
Yesterday
$132K - $181K *
Drive the development of an innovative Excel plugin, integrating AI-driven market intelligence for financial professionals. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance and enhance user experience...
3 weeks ago
$132K - $181K *
Join a team that's redefining financial technology by integrating AI into Excel. You'll develop a powerful plugin that enhances decision-making for financial professionals, ensuring seamless performan...
4 weeks ago
$146K - $282K *
Engineer high-quality software solutions, mentor team members, and drive architectural decisions in an AI-driven environment, ensuring excellence and collaboration across product development...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, AI Platform
$187K - $220K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI in IT Operations. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll design and build innovative platform capabilities, driving impactful solutions and collaborating dir...
3 weeks 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.