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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$143K - $194K *

Champion the development of innovative device setup solutions, enhancing customer experiences through SDK and cloud integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable systems for...

Today

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

$85K - $100K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on quality engineering. Engage in impactful projects, develop testing frameworks, and enhance your leadership skills while collaborating with top...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$143K - $194K *

Transform network infrastructure by developing innovative software solutions that enhance cabling project efficiency and resource allocation. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive impactful outcome...

Yesterday

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of network automation by designing scalable software solutions that enhance reliability and efficiency across Amazon's global network infrastructure...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Transform the build infrastructure by leading the Bazel migration, designing remote execution, and enhancing CI/CD systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize build times and establish bes...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving automation in CI/CD pipelines to enhance reliability and efficiency. As a Staff-level contributor, you'll blend AI techniques with software automation to support rapid devel...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Innovate automated testing strategies for web applications and backend services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance and reliability in...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in ensuring software quality by managing testing processes, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and productivity across multiple proj...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$144K - $192K *

Advance your career by developing innovative test automation solutions for complex, multi-platform products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and streamline processes...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation by providing expert technical support for IT Test and Evaluation. Collaborate on test methodologies, execute plans, and analyze data to ensure software reliability and compliance in...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's pivotal in testing and analyzing data for advanced X-ray technology. This hybrid role combines onsite collaboration and remote flexibility, focusing on data management, testing exec...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform quality assurance by owning automation for enterprise deployments and enhancing customer experiences with agent-first tooling. Collaborate with teams to strengthen testing, reduce bugs, and...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Drive the development of robust test infrastructure for device software, ensuring reliable product delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing workflows and improve software q...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$67K - $96K *

Advance your career as a Software Engineer, collaborating in Agile teams to design, develop, and deploy innovative software solutions that enhance learning and research across diverse fields...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $119K *

Innovate integrated test development for hardware systems, ensuring reliability from prototypes to operations. Lead certification processes and design test setups, bridging electronics, software, and...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$168K - $227K *

Drive the development of embedded software for customer terminal systems, overseeing design, implementation, and deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product functionality an...

3 days ago

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

$93K - $156K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of software development by leading agile teams, driving high-quality releases, and fostering continuous improvement in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with dive...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$158K - $213K *

Join us to design and build scalable systems that enhance advertising experiences for millions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable solutions while driving continuous improveme...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex systems through expert Linux administration and automation. Engage in hands-on tasks while leveraging Python and C to enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate with teams to optimi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your extensive Linux expertise and system administration skills. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance automation and metrics management, driving efficiency and inn...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $227K *

Transform the engineering landscape by leading the development of a unified platform that enhances automation and stability for mission-critical applications, empowering teams to innovate and deliver...

Yesterday

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

$90K - $112K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing automation systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in fulfillment centers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and innovate...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $112K *

Unlock potential by optimizing automation systems to enhance operational performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and improve material handling equipment, ensuring reliabil...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Engineer scalable AI/ML infrastructure, bridging research and product teams. Drive AI adoption from strategy to production, ensuring impactful solutions in healthcare. Lead architecture, design, and d...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.