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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$184K - $250K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative Generative AI tools and resources that streamline customer adoption of AWS Neuron. Collaborate with a talented team to drive strategic solutio...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Shape the future of manufacturing software by designing and building full-stack applications that enhance production efficiency and integrate with enterprise systems, leveraging AWS technologies and m...

2 days ago

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

$114K - $155K *

Transform the testing landscape by developing automated solutions for AI products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing strategies, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-pac...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $250K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to enhance CI and deployment systems, ensuring secure, efficient software delivery across a vast infrastructure. Drive innovation and operational excellence while foste...

2 weeks ago

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

$200K - $210K *

Join a dynamic team to design and maintain CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks for mission-critical software systems, enhancing cybersecurity operations and ensuring reliability in a fast...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$133K - $190K *

Drive the development of enterprise-grade Identity Management Products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance security solutions. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a positive, i...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join our innovative team to architect and develop scalable cloud-native applications utilizing AWS serverless and event-driven paradigms, while integrating with existing systems and ensuring robustnes...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Empower innovation by building automated testing frameworks and infrastructure for enterprise software, leveraging robust engineering practices to ensure quality, reliability, and maintainability acro...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Inspire your career by joining a dynamic team focused on mobile automation, designing frameworks and enhancing test coverage for iOS and Android apps. Collaborate closely with engineering and product...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $118K *

Elevate the quality of software by designing automated testing frameworks and integrating AI tools for enhanced efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth delivery of hig...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $227K *

Champion innovation by designing and building software for customer terminals, enhancing connectivity and diagnostics. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality solutions that operate reliably...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining asset management for advertising, driving innovation through software solutions that enhance scalability, performance, and security while collaborating with stakeholders...

1 week ago

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

$88K - $168K *

Empower our teams by building innovative internal products and automations that enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate closely with leadership to drive impactful solutions and streamline processe...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$143K - $194K *

Join our team to develop cutting-edge Generative AIUX solutions that enhance user experiences and streamline design workflows. Collaborate across teams to create innovative AI-powered tools that empow...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through innovative testing strategies. You'll manage an enterprise test repository, develop test plans, and ensure compliance with DoD standa...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Unlock your potential by developing mission-critical software systems that ensure high reliability and performance for satellite telemetry data processing and monitoring. Collaborate with a dynamic te...

3 days ago

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

$137K - $275K *

Shape the future of AI/ML by developing innovative algorithms that enhance user safety. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex challenges and translate research into scalable solutions, making a d...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $250K *

Transform financial record keeping by leading a dynamic team to innovate AI-driven accounting automation solutions, influencing architecture and driving product direction for scalable systems that imp...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Optimize healthcare technology by resolving bugs and ensuring system stability. Collaborate with a dynamic R&D team to support monthly upgrades and perform quality assurance, driving continuous deploy...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$158K - $213K *

Develop innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to design and build scalable technologies that redefine industry standards and enhance user experienc...

2 weeks ago

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

$156K - $234K *

Drive impactful design decisions and lead the development of scalable, high-performance AI model serving systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance infrastructure, optimize performance, and maintain r...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$156K - $234K *

Lead the charge in designing and scaling a high-performance AI model serving platform, ensuring reliability and efficiency while fostering an inclusive team culture. Drive impactful decisions that enh...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$168K - $227K *

Pioneer the development of AI-native integrations that empower users by connecting business systems. Lead architectural strategies, mentor engineers, and drive impactful coding practices to enhance pr...

2 weeks ago

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

$168K - $227K *

Lead the design and development of innovative purchase orchestration systems, driving complex decisions and collaborating across teams to enhance customer trust and streamline off-Amazon transactions...

Yesterday

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

$165K - $223K *

Innovate and design cutting-edge services for seamless authentication and streaming in a dynamic workspace environment, enhancing user experience for both humans and AI agents while ensuring high avai...

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.