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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$100K - $120K *

Elevate automation capabilities by designing and developing robust frameworks for distributed microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamline CI/CD pr...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$143K - $194K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative security solutions at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance Amazon's security posture through robust software systems and technical leaders...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Optimize the software delivery lifecycle by designing and building systems that enhance developer productivity, compliance, and the use of AI, ensuring robust support for all roles creating software a...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $227K *

Innovate the future of service automation in AWS Networking, driving stability and scalability. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance service performance while ensuring high security standards and...

Today

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

$168K - $227K *

Innovate the future of database technology by leading the design and implementation of advanced search and indexing solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance data retrieval capabilities and ensur...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Innovate user experiences for multimodal devices in a dynamic, Agile team. Collaborate with UX and product owners to enhance software quality and customer satisfaction. Deliver high-impact solutions i...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$78K - $117K *

Drive automation excellence by enhancing testing frameworks and collaborating with teams to ensure high-quality software delivery. Leverage your expertise in Android testing and programming to identif...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of Audible's applications by leading complex technical initiatives, mentoring developers, and driving innovative solutions in a collaborative, agile environment...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$148K - $222K *

Shape the future of enterprise AI by designing and building high-performance microservices and data pipelines. Join a dynamic team to enhance agentic workflows and analytics, transforming how thousand...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$130K - $155K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to develop scalable, high-demand software solutions. Engage in the full software lifecycle, enhancing features and driving quality for systems impacting billions of users...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Transform software solutions by designing and implementing high-quality systems. Collaborate with stakeholders, mentor peers, and enhance productivity through innovative tools while ensuring impactful...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences while mentoring peers and integrating cutting-e...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's pioneering innovative cloud solutions, tackling big data and machine learning challenges. Collaborate with top talent to enhance customer experiences and drive operational excellenc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$163K - $245K *

Shape the future of data observability by designing and enhancing critical services. Collaborate with engineers to optimize large-scale systems, ensuring data quality and integrity while supporting U...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$163K - $245K *

Transform the observability landscape by designing and enhancing critical services, ensuring data quality and integrity while collaborating with top engineers to optimize large-scale distributed syste...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$163K - $245K *

Optimize and enhance our Kubernetes platform to ensure reliability, scalability, and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Drive automation and support inf...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$96K - $128K *

Drive product reliability by implementing advanced testing strategies and automation frameworks, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and efficiency in a dynamic, clou...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Reimagine software development by delivering scalable solutions in an Agile team. Contribute to all phases of product development, ensuring quality and efficiency while leveraging diverse technologies...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $140K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives by designing and executing test cases for innovative video editing tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliability and user experience...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$163K - $245K *

Join a team that builds and maintains a cutting-edge Kubernetes platform, ensuring high availability and security while collaborating across teams. Leverage your technical expertise in cloud infrastru...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$117K - $148K *

Optimize and maintain large-scale Spark and Snowflake pipelines, transforming measurement data into actionable insights for partners. Lead projects from design to production while mentoring engineers...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$69K - $158K *

Transform the technological landscape by designing and developing innovative software solutions that autonomously cater to diverse mission domains while working with cutting-edge tools and collaborati...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's building innovative software solutions for a global satellite network. You'll design, develop, and optimize systems that ensure high performance and reliability for ground terminals...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge ML systems to enhance reliability and performance. Collaborate with experts to innovate solutions that ensure customer trust while managing the entire ML pip...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$129K - $174K *

Optimize production software by troubleshooting, automating, and enhancing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and implement solutions, ensuring high-impact results acro...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

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.