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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$93K - $126K *

Deliver innovative software solutions that enhance healthcare experiences. Collaborate across teams to develop, test, and maintain applications, ensuring efficient code and system functionality while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$134K - $165K *

Innovate as a senior technical leader, driving AI integration and scalable solutions across a SaaS portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and mentor engineers i...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$119K - $166K *

Partner with us to design and deliver scalable backend services that enhance travel experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable solutions, ensuring operational excellence a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $180K *

Lead and mentor a dynamic team of Software Development Engineers in Test, driving quality and innovation in mobile and desktop applications. Oversee testing methodologies, manage projects, and advocat...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $115K *

Drive test automation excellence by designing and maintaining robust frameworks, collaborating across teams to enhance QA capabilities, and leveraging AI tools to optimize testing processes and reduce...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $115K *

Engineer robust end-to-end test automation frameworks using Playwright. Collaborate across teams to enhance QA capabilities, leveraging AI tools for efficient testing and maintenance, while mentoring...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $167K *

Transform the future of mapping and analytics by developing scalable, reliable software solutions. Collaborate with a global team to enhance ArcGIS Enterprise, leveraging cutting-edge technology to de...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive system integration and testing for hypersonic vehicles, ensuring compliance with performance standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage risks and document processes, contributi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $155K *

Advance your career as a full stack software engineer, collaborating across teams to design and deploy innovative digital aircraft solutions while enhancing product capabilities and driving continuous...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $162K *

Join a dynamic multi-cloud platform engineering team to design, develop, and enhance software systems. Collaborate with peers to innovate solutions that drive the adoption of cloud-based technologies...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$130K - $195K *

Pioneer the development and deployment of multi-cloud platform services. Collaborate in architecture design, enhance systems, and support seamless adoption of Workday solutions while working closely w...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $225K *

Champion the development of scalable systems that enhance customer trust for high-value transfers. Collaborate across teams to deliver reliable web and mobile experiences, ensuring optimal performance...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$99K - $160K *

Innovate and automate operational processes while collaborating with engineers to design, build, and operate EC2 control-plane services in secure environments. Drive improvements in monitoring and dep...

Today

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

$119K - $166K *

Transform systems at scale as you drive the development of robust applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams while building high-performance software solutions that enhance the travel exper...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$119K - $166K *

Join a dynamic team to develop scalable data solutions, enhancing travel experiences through innovative software. Collaborate on data pipelines and APIs, ensuring high-quality, reliable systems while...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$143K - $194K *

Shape the future of AI governance by owning end-to-end feature development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance trust in autonomous agents while thrivi...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading automated testing strategies for web applications and backend services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality in compliance-driven environments whi...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team to lead software development initiatives, driving operational excellence and innovation for U.S. Intelligence Community agencies. Oversee product lifecycles and mentor engineers to...

1 week ago

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

$184K - $250K *

Join a team that's driving innovative cloud solutions for U.S. Intelligence agencies. Oversee software development, manage engineering teams, and ensure operational excellence while delivering high-qu...

2 weeks ago

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

$184K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team to lead software development, drive technical strategy, and mentor engineers. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer experiences while ensuring operational excellence a...

6 days ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to design and build innovative AWS services that streamline network operations in data centers. Collaborate with engineers to enhance automation, ensuring efficient deployment and...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Design and build automated testing frameworks for validating endpoint management across operating systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance software quality and drive automated validation of system-l...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in designing and developing innovative software solutions that enhance our content production pipeline, collaborating with a talented team to deliver exceptional experiences for millio...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$143K - $194K *

Architect and develop high-performance applications for data analytics and search. Collaborate on critical features of Amazon OpenSearch Service, focusing on enhancing customer experience in a dynamic...

Reposted today

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

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of quality engineering by enhancing validation practices and building scalable strategies for code-transformation workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish relia...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.