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.
$110K - $140K *
Transform quality assurance by designing and maintaining automated test scripts, collaborating with teams to ensure high standards, and integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines for rapid feedback and im...
3 weeks ago
Sr. System Dev Engineer, EC2 Core Platforms Engineering
$151K - $204K *
Elevate the future of cloud computing by leading the development and automation of new server platforms. Drive technical strategies, enhance reliability, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to...
Today
Software Development Manager, Region Flexibility & Efficiency
$171K - $286K *
Champion the development of innovative software solutions that enhance global efficiency and flexibility for engineering teams, driving strategic direction and fostering a collaborative environment to...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading test and evaluation efforts, analyzing system requirements, and developing comprehensive plans to ensure performance and operational effectiveness in complex programs...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing test plans and evaluations, ensuring system performance aligns with operational requirements. Collaborate with teams to analyze data and support government...
3 days ago
ERP test Automation Engineer, Amazon Leo Governance
$115K - $160K *
Shape the future of automated testing for ERP systems, ensuring quality and efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive test strategies, improve frameworks, and deliver best pr...
Reposted 1 month ago
$75K - $90K *
Join a dynamic team as a User Interface Automated Test Engineer, where you'll design and implement automated testing frameworks using Java, C++, and Python. Contribute to innovative software solutions...
1 week ago
$145K - $155K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Software Engineer, driving innovation in cloud-native applications and AI integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission-critical systems in a...
Yesterday
SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)
$70K - $93K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative test automation solutions, evaluating tools, and implementing strategies across projects. Collaborate independently to deliver cost savings and enhance produc...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the development and execution of test plans, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of systems through data collection and analysis. Collaborate with teams to enhance test strategies and support decis...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Optimize service desk operations by leading incident management and ITSM processes. Drive efficiency through collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality support and adherence to se...
6 days ago
Manager, Software Development Engineering
$186K - $233K *
Join a team that's redefining the automotive shopping experience. Lead engineers in building innovative consumer applications, driving technical direction, and fostering collaboration across disciplin...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer - Testing & Evals Frameworks
$194K - $253K *
Transform the testing landscape by leading automation frameworks and strategies, ensuring quality across distributed systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed robust testing practices...
Yesterday
Staff Software Engineer - Testing & Evals Frameworks
$174K - $229K *
Shape the future of engineering by leading testing strategies and automation frameworks. Drive quality across distributed systems, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enha...
Yesterday
Staff Software Development Engineer in Test (Multiple Positions)
$219K - $353K *
Empower innovation by developing automated testing tools and frameworks, enhancing product quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize user experience and efficiency in an agile...
1 week ago
Staff Software Development Engineer in Test (Multiple Positions)
$219K - $353K *
Join us to develop automated testing tools and frameworks, enhancing product quality and user experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize CI/CD pipelines and advocate for engineeri...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Empower your career by designing and executing automated test strategies that enhance product quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust testing practices and deliver high-quali...
2 days ago
$143K - $212K *
Unlock potential by delivering comprehensive solutions across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Collaborate with management, mentor junior engineers, and make informed technical decisions wit...
3 days ago
Software Development Manager, Amazon Simple Storage Service, S3 Express
$184K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining cloud storage solutions by leading the development of high-performance systems. You'll guide engineers through complex challenges, ensuring top-tier performance and durab...
2 days ago
$99K - $138K *
Innovate the future of space exploration by supporting the development and operation of advanced test facilities. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure safe, efficient testing of cutting-edge tech...
1 week ago
Lead Software Development Engineer, Consumer Domains
$135K - $160K *
Drive innovation as a Lead Software Development Engineer, shaping scalable applications and services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and mentor fellow developer...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of collectibles data by leading API architecture and strategy. Drive high-impact projects, mentor engineers, and enhance data reliability while collaborating across teams to deliver i...
6 days ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer , Fauna
$184K - $250K *
Engineer cutting-edge embedded systems for robotics, focusing on firmware development, real-time operating systems, and communication protocols to enhance performance and reliability in dynamic enviro...
1 week ago
Senior Software Quality Engineer - QGC & Tool Automation
$110K - $130K *
Drive the automation strategy for QGroundControl and related tools, enhancing test frameworks and reducing manual testing reliance. Collaborate with SQA leadership to prioritize initiatives and ensure...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineering - Sr Professional I
$90K - $144K *
Empower innovation by designing and developing high-quality software applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that meet business objectives and enhance clien...
6 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.