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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$121K - $237K *

Transform quality assurance by developing automated test scripts for web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and ensure reliability, contributing to nati...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $190K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable, secure platforms that enhance financial planning solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation while ment...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $162K *

Unlock potential by driving software quality through testing, automation, and collaboration. Engage in a dynamic Agile environment, contributing to enterprise-level applications while enhancing your s...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $251K *

Elevate the software development experience for thousands of AWS engineers. Collaborate to design and build innovative tools that simplify deployment and maintenance, driving transformation and effici...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$168K - $227K *

Shape the future of cloud billing by developing innovative software solutions that enhance AWS's capabilities in metering usage, generating accurate charges, and managing customer accounts at scale...

2 weeks ago

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

$82K - $147K *

Engage in user-focused design and development as you advocate for positive experiences across UI, CLI, and API. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance, resolve issues, and contribute to a cultu...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $158K *

Play a key role in enhancing developer productivity through effective automation tools and testing strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust solutions ensuring software qua...

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate in health software by developing and automating tests for Apple’s Health ecosystem. Collaborate with engineers and experts to enhance user experiences while ensuring quality and reliability i...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $188K *

Elevate your career by leading programs that enhance QA processes and developer workflows, driving exceptional quality and efficiency in AI-powered experiences across a dynamic team. Your influence wi...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock backend development potential by creating scalable solutions utilizing Java frameworks like Spring. Collaborate in Agile teams to drive project success with strong debugging, coding standards...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $174K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement AI-driven tools for automating network management across Amazon's global fulfillment centers, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative software solutions by developing, testing, and deploying applications across diverse environments. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance database engines and optimize secure...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $173K *

Architect innovative RF testing solutions to enhance national security. Collaborate with a leading R&D team to develop and validate critical systems, ensuring safety and compliance while executing com...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of energy efficiency through innovative software solutions. Lead a talented engineering group in delivering high-quality products while ensuring operational excel...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $140K *

Lead a dynamic software engineering team, ensuring quality delivery and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across business units and driving innovation in energy efficiency solutions...

Ithaca, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $280K *

Empower engineering teams by enhancing developer tools and workflows, ensuring reliable CI/CD processes and automated environments that streamline code development, testing, and deployment for optimal...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge interface software and automation frameworks. Collaborate on real-time systems, enhance CI pipelines, and support integration efforts to drive innovation in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $180K *

Lead and grow a dynamic software development team, driving innovation in B2B print and packaging solutions. Collaborate across departments to enhance systems, prioritize projects, and ensure operation...

Markham, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$194K - $253K *

Transform authentication experiences for millions by leading backend services and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, usability, and trust while driving innovative solut...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $160K *

Design innovative software solutions that enhance customer experiences while navigating a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with diverse teams to create impactful features and services that drive su...

3 days ago

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

$96K - $145K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic tech firm by leading automation efforts, enhancing software quality, and mentoring teams. Leverage your expertise in test frameworks and CI/CD integration to drive inn...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$191K - $253K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of software engineering by enhancing automation in manufacturing tests. Tackle complex, multiplatform challenges and drive innovative solutions through robust anal...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Transform quality assurance processes by developing test plans and automation strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality applications for critica...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing quality assurance for critical projects. As a Senior Test Automation Engineer, you'll develop test plans, automate testing processes, and ensure compliance wi...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$188K - $296K *

Advance the development of innovative software solutions, integrating scalable and secure applications while mentoring teams. Drive technical leadership and ensure quality assurance throughout the sof...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

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.