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.
SQE - Software Developer - Test
$100K - $120K *
Innovate with us to enhance quality engineering in robotics automation. As a key player, you'll develop test automation frameworks and collaborate across teams to ensure our software solutions are rob...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer - Embedded, Amazon Leo
$143K - $194K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of satellite software development. Design, build, and enhance embedded systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and security f...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer, Amazon Leo Customer Terminal Software
$143K - $194K *
Transform your career by designing and deploying embedded software for innovative consumer electronics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product functionality and user experience in...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $116K *
Transform software testing processes by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables through manual and automated testing, and collaborating with cross-functio...
Today
$85K - $116K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through innovative testing strategies. Leverage your programming expertise and leadership skills to drive complex projects, enhance testing pr...
Today
$85K - $116K *
Transform software quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables through strong programming skills and collaboration with cross-functional...
Today
$85K - $116K *
Drive quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring software reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions t...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and procedures, ensuring software quality and performance across complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Pioneer innovative testing solutions as a Senior Software Test Engineer, driving quality assurance for complex software projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high standards and d...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Transform software quality by leveraging your programming expertise to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables in a collaborative environment focused on contin...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Transform your career by leading software testing initiatives, ensuring high-quality deliverables through robust test plans and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product r...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Join a dynamic team as you develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software deliverables. Leverage your programming expertise and testing skills to enhance IT systems and c...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software delivery. Leverage strong programming skills and testing expertise to enhance system performance and...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Join us to drive quality assurance in software testing, ensuring high standards through robust test plans and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliability and use...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through rigorous testing. Leverage your programming skills and expertise in test automation to drive high-quality deliverables in a collaborat...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Lead the charge in ensuring software quality through rigorous testing and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test plans, execute tests, and deliver high-quality software so...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on developing and executing comprehensive test plans and procedures, ensuring high-quality software deliverables while collaborating with cross-functional...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Shape the future of software quality by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables through strong programming skills and collaboration with cross-functional...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Contribute to high-quality software delivery by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring robust testing processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product r...
Yesterday
Software Development Engineer - AI Infrastructure Development Platform
$130K - $195K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of AI and software engineering by designing and implementing backend services for AI applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance developer...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineer - AI Infrastructure Development Platform
$130K - $195K *
Build and enhance AI Infrastructure Development Platform, enabling teams to deploy and manage AI agents. Design backend services and tooling, ensuring reliability and scalability while improving devel...
6 days ago
$85K - $116K *
Lead the charge in ensuring software quality by developing and executing comprehensive test plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions while mentoring junior test...
Yesterday
Quality Assurance SDET Engineer
$95K - $122K *
Elevate software quality by ensuring intuitive user experiences through rigorous testing and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and validate AI-assisted impleme...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS EC2 Nitro Team
$165K - $223K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud computing by developing cutting-edge EC2 Machine Learning platforms. Collaborate across technical teams to innovate and enhance virtualization technology...
Today
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer (Model Customization and Optimization)
$184K - $250K *
Elevate customer AI capabilities by leading model customization and optimization efforts. Drive technical direction, architect scalable systems, and mentor teams to deliver impactful solutions that en...
2 days 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.