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.
Software Development Engineer, CoRe Relations
$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
System Development Engineer II, REALM
$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
Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test, AI/ML
$114K - $172K *
Join a team that's redefining quality assurance in ML/AI. Lead automation efforts, develop frameworks, and ensure robust testing for innovative AI-powered products while collaborating across engineeri...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) (on-site)
$100K - $120K *
Innovate with cutting-edge AI-driven test automation to uplift quality engineering standards across varied environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, reliable software del...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Drive innovation as you lead the design and deployment of scalable AI-native platforms, blending advanced technologies with enterprise systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure high performance and...
2 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Join a team that's driving Mergers & Acquisitions success by leading Dynamics 365 configuration and customization efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize business processes and ensure seaml...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer II, Technical Content Experience
$143K - $194K *
Build scalable AI-powered solutions from design to deployment, optimizing systems and delivering high-quality code. Collaborate with teams to solve complex problems and mentor junior engineers in a fa...
Today
Software Development Engineer, SRE (US Federal)
$137K - $205K *
Elevate your career by collaborating across teams to enhance architecture and foster smooth operations of our services. Engage in hands-on development, support, and troubleshooting of large-scale syst...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, Mobile App Foundations, BuilderWorks
$143K - $194K *
Elevate the mobile shopping experience by engineering scalable platforms that serve millions. Collaborate across teams to modernize architectures and enhance customer interactions through innovative s...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $185K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing innovative cloud-native applications, leveraging advanced technologies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance member experiences and drive...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer
$83K - $222K *
Elevate healthcare technology by designing and implementing scalable web services and APIs. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions that enhance patient care and streamline ope...
Yesterday
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $222K *
Shape the future of healthcare by designing and deploying AI-powered solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build full-stack applications and data pipelines, enhancing patient care thro...
6 days ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $222K *
Deliver innovative AI solutions by designing and deploying full stack applications, data pipelines, and agentic systems in a collaborative, agile environment, enhancing healthcare delivery through adv...
6 days ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $185K *
Champion the development of scalable software solutions, mentoring engineers and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance digital platforms. Drive technical excellence and ensure security in backend...
2 days ago
$200K - $270K *
Unlock potential by leading the architecture and engineering strategy for a cutting-edge AI platform. Drive innovation in scalable, fault-tolerant systems while mentoring engineers and tackling comple...
1 week ago
$72K - $149K *
Lead the charge in enhancing software quality by developing and implementing automated testing strategies for voice/IVR applications, ensuring seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines and delivering...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer II, AWS Activate
$143K - $194K *
Join us to innovate and build applications that empower startups on AWS. Collaborate with a diverse team to create tools that enhance customer experience, drive growth, and deliver cutting-edge soluti...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in shaping a robust Quality Assurance strategy, overseeing global QA delivery and vendor management. Collaborate across teams to ensure software reliability, performance, and security...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, EC2 UltraServer Availability
$143K - $194K *
Engineer robust cloud-based repair workflows for high-availability UltraServers, collaborating across teams to enhance AI/ML infrastructure. Drive operational excellence through innovative solutions a...
Today
Software Development Engineer, EC2 UltraServer Availability
$143K - $194K *
Drive the design and implementation of cloud-based repair workflows, ensuring high availability of UltraServers. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance AI/ML infrastructure and optimize operational...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Artifact, AWS Compliance & Security Assurance
$143K - $194K *
Engage in building secure, scalable systems while mentoring junior developers. Collaborate on Agile projects, ensuring high availability and compliance across AWS services. Drive continuous improvemen...
2 weeks ago
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of silicon testing by developing software for DFT tests across a vast fleet of ML accelerator servers, transforming raw data into actionable insights and enhancing testing workflows f...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Development Engineer, Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC)
$151K - $204K *
Innovate cloud computing solutions for U.S. Government agencies, tackling complex distributed systems. Lead engineering efforts to enhance operational excellence and automate processes, ensuring top-t...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Unified Streaming and Monitoring Service
$143K - $194K *
Innovate mission-critical software systems for satellite telemetry data processing. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure high reliability and performance across services, supporting vital connect...
3 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in enhancing software quality through manual and automated testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test cases, document results, and troubleshoot issues, ensuring r...
1 week 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.