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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$95K - $115K *

Drive your career forward by developing innovative front and back-end features for game platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance gameplay and optimize performance while embracing new technologies...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in integrating and verifying advanced technical systems for national security. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless documentation and readiness of complex hardware and software...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Join us to design and scale high-performance distributed systems, tackling complex challenges in CloudWatch Logs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational excellence and deliver...

4 days ago

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

$165K - $223K *

Champion the future of connectivity by developing innovative software solutions for a groundbreaking satellite network. Collaborate across teams to enhance system reliability and mentor junior enginee...

1 week ago

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

$118K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to design and develop innovative products. Engage in technical discussions, code reviews, and operational excellence while utilizing AI...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$184K - $250K *

Lead a high-impact engineering team to develop AI-driven solutions that transform AWS Go-To-Market strategies, enhancing sales plays and user experiences through innovative agentic systems and advance...

2 weeks ago

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

$115K - $175K *

Help us ensure the stability and reliability of non-production environments by collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain parity with production, reduce outages, and support high-quality re...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you champion quality across the SDLC, promoting best practices in testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to build and scale automated test suites, ensuring reliability and perf...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and automating test systems for robots, ensuring rigorous testing and data logging. Collaborate with engineers to enhance testing efficiency and reliability in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Explore your career by collaborating with experts to enhance health features on iOS and Apple Watch. This role demands a self-motivated engineer with strong technical and interpersonal skills to drive...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $183K *

Join the OpsTech Solutions team to elevate IT service delivery by optimizing ServiceNow applications, enhancing user experiences, and leading cross-functional collaborations to drive impactful custome...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$129K - $174K *

Join a team that's innovating solutions for global customers by developing and managing advanced systems. Collaborate across diverse projects to enhance reliability, performance, and automation in a d...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $90K *

Drive software quality by executing tests and collaborating with engineers to enhance StreamCaster products. Engage in manual regression, exploratory testing, and defect resolution to ensure robust pe...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation and excellence in software development, collaborating with a dynamic team to create and maintain cutting-edge applications that enhance user experiences and deliver impactful solution...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Elevate business processes by analyzing and defining system requirements, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Optimize software quality and security by developing test strategies for cloud-native applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality and performance, while advancing A...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$202K - $224K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of code infrastructure, ensuring stability and efficiency for thousands of engineers. Drive impactful projects from design to deployment while enhancing developer...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Elevate developer productivity by owning and enhancing code hosting and review platforms. Drive projects from inception to deployment, ensuring system stability and a seamless experience for thousands...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Champion innovation by owning and evolving code hosting and review platforms, ensuring stability and efficiency for thousands of engineers. Drive projects from conception to deployment while enhancing...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Build and enhance robust code hosting and review platforms, ensuring stability and efficiency for thousands of engineers. Drive projects from conception to deployment while improving developer experie...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$184K - $250K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of premium ad products for a global audience. Lead engineering efforts, drive technical strategy, and develop a high-performing team to deliver innovative solutio...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $140K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of secure software solutions. Leverage your expertise in cloud engineering and DevSecOps to enhance mission-critical applications within a dynamic DoD environment...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $174K *

Drive the implementation and management of Microsoft 365 services and SharePoint on AWS GovCloud, ensuring compliance and operational excellence through automation and collaboration with cross-functio...

4 days ago

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

$108K - $162K *

Join us to develop innovative search solutions and machine learning applications, enhancing enterprise functionality. Collaborate with a skilled team to tackle complex challenges and drive impactful r...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$129K - $174K *

Shape the future of battery testing by managing data systems and infrastructure. Drive automation, enhance data reliability, and deploy AI models to transform insights into actionable results for a dy...

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.