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.
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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...
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Senior Forward Deployed Engineer (Model Customization and Optimization)
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Empower innovation by leading technical engagements for custom AI model optimization. Collaborate with customers to define success metrics, architect scalable systems, and mentor teams, driving impact...
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Software Development Manager, Amazon Financials Foundation Services (AFFS)
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Lead the charge in developing scalable financial systems that empower Amazon's businesses. Collaborate with talented engineers to tackle complex challenges and enhance operational efficiency through i...
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Software Dev Engineer II, SageMaker Compute Governance
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovation by designing and building distributed backend services that optimize GPU utilization across clusters, enhancing efficiency and value for AI compute customers globally...
5 days ago
$104K - $160K *
Join us to enhance automation and quality in mobile testing. Leverage your expertise in Android and Java to develop robust automated tests, collaborate with teams, and drive continuous improvement in...
1 week ago
$110K - $186K *
Build and maintain AI-driven test automation frameworks, ensuring robust coverage and performance across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to enhance QA processes and mentor junior engineers in...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer II - Test Automation
$91K - $119K *
Unlock your potential as you develop automated test tools and frameworks for mission-critical software. Collaborate with engineers to enhance software quality and streamline testing processes in a dyn...
Reposted 3 days ago
Software Dev Manager, DDB Index and Search
$184K - $250K *
Champion a transformative engineering team to innovate vector and hybrid search capabilities, driving architectural decisions and operational excellence while enhancing customer experiences in data re...
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$120K - $145K *
Accelerate your career by serving as a Test Engineer SME, driving automated testing in a SAFe Agile DevSecOps pipeline. Collaborate across teams to enhance software quality and performance in a commer...
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Senior Software Engineer, Digital Operations
$155K - $185K *
Unlock potential by partnering with business teams to tackle operational challenges, design full-stack solutions, and enhance workflows, leveraging AI technologies while delivering high-quality softwa...
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Staff Software Engineer - SubSystem Integration Test (SSIT)
$141K - $211K *
Design and develop embedded and cloud edge software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance requirements and enhance product functionality, ensuring high-quality deliv...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Security Communications
$143K - $194K *
Champion the design and development of scalable software systems that enhance security communications workflows, collaborating across teams to deliver impactful solutions that prioritize customer outc...
1 week ago
$143K - $194K *
Develop scalable distributed systems to process high-velocity data streams, enhance storage architecture, and create accessible APIs, driving innovation in data ingestion and actionable insights from...
2 weeks ago
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing AI in fulfillment by enabling diverse teams to create custom agents effortlessly. You'll build a robust platform that balances flexibility and simplicity, impacting...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer II, Amazon Private Brands
$143K - $194K *
Take ownership of software design and development, collaborating with leaders to innovate solutions that enhance customer experiences and elevate standards across applications and systems...
1 week ago
$69K - $125K *
Drive the design and execution of RF seeker test fixtures and procedures, collaborating on advanced radar technologies. Engage in hands-on testing and analysis, presenting findings to stakeholders whi...
2 days ago
Software Development Engineer - ML Ops (US Federal)
$137K - $205K *
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Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Certificate Services
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Lead the charge in transforming TLS/SSL certificate management, enhancing security for developers globally. Collaborate on innovative solutions that automate and simplify interactions with certificate...
3 days ago
System Development Engineer , Workday
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6 days ago
Software Development Engineer II, Efficiency & Performance, Alloy
$143K - $194K *
Transform large-scale systems by designing and implementing software solutions that enhance performance and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and ment...
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Senior Software Automation Test Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical leader in automation testing, driving innovation by transitioning manual methods to automation. Collaborate across projects to enhance testing processes and mentor e...
4 weeks ago
$106K - $162K *
Unlock potential by leading test automation efforts to enhance system performance and reliability. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and support innovative testing solutions that mee...
1 week ago
Embedded Software Dev Engineer, Amazon Leo
$143K - $194K *
Develop and deploy reliable embedded software for consumer electronics, engaging in all SDLC phases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and customer experience in a...
Today
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.