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.
Principal Software Automation Engineer
$116K - $177K *
Elevate automation design and programming for high-performance systems, collaborating with R&D and Manufacturing teams. Ensure reliable system performance through configuration, validation, and troubl...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Software Quality Engineer
$98K - $132K *
Transform quality assurance by leading testing strategies for complex, data-driven applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish standards, mentor engineers, and ensure robust val...
Yesterday
Software Development Engineer, FinTech/Customer Service Tech
$110K - $130K *
Deliver innovative software solutions by collaborating with a dynamic team, defining technical requirements, and developing high-quality applications that enhance user experiences for millions, all wh...
4 weeks ago
$170K - $188K *
Shape the future of cloud-based investment solutions by architecting and implementing scalable, high-performance platform infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's focused on enhancing software quality through automation. The ideal candidate will drive testing initiatives for cloud applications, utilizing skills in C#, automation frameworks, a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Dev Engineer II, AWS Identity
$158K - $213K *
Drive innovative solutions in authentication and authorization for AWS, ensuring security and reliability at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement high-quality softwar...
3 days ago
$93K - $128K *
Analyze and mitigate product risks through innovative testing methods, ensuring readiness for production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality and rider satisfaction while leadin...
3 days ago
$60K - $180K *
Engage in advanced system integration and verification, driving innovation through testing and automation. Collaborate with teams to develop test plans and troubleshoot issues, ensuring high-quality o...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Development Infrastructure
$139K - $229K *
Join a team that's transforming development infrastructure to enhance the developer experience. Lead strategic initiatives that improve tools, scalability, and reliability for thousands of developers...
2 days ago
$125K - $155K *
Elevate the quality of mission-critical Army systems through rigorous testing, collaboration, and innovative strategies. Drive functional, integration, and regression testing to ensure compliance with...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $155K *
Join us to ensure mission-critical Army systems meet quality standards through comprehensive testing. Collaborate with teams to identify defects, execute test plans, and support both manual and automa...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Test Equipment
$100K - $140K *
Transform your career by designing and developing software for advanced factory test equipment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and lead projects while mentoring junior engineers in a dynamic...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and deploying cloud-based solutions using Python, Azure, and Databricks. Collaborate with agile teams to enhance productivity and deliver high-quality software through...
1 week ago
SDET, CI/CD Pipeline and Test Infrastructure
$165K - $195K *
Manage the CI/CD pipeline and test infrastructure, ensuring seamless transition from third-party operations. This pivotal role supports the Signals insourcing initiative, enabling efficient software d...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, AtoZ HR Services & Experiences Technology - Connections
$184K - $250K *
Lead the charge in developing a high-scale content platform that empowers 1.5M employees daily. Manage a dynamic engineering team, drive architectural strategy, and collaborate across departments to e...
Today
Software Development Manager, Books Discovery
$171K - $286K *
Transform your leadership skills by guiding a diverse team to deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize projects and enhance team performance while navigatin...
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$121K - $218K *
Champion the development and enhancement of Akamai's custom Linux kernel, ensuring performance, reliability, and security. Collaborate with global teams to innovate and automate solutions for our Clou...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare by building innovative software solutions. In this hands-on, full-stack role, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful features th...
1 week ago
Int. Full-Stack Automation Engineer
$90K - $130K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Solutions Development team to design and implement innovative full-stack solutions that leverage Microsoft technologies and AI, driving impactful organizational c...
2 days ago
$118K - $219K *
Champion the development of AI-driven legal software, leading a team to innovate and deliver scalable solutions. Drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure operational excellence in a fast...
6 days ago
$118K - $219K *
Lead the charge in architecting innovative AI-driven legal solutions, guiding a talented engineering team to deliver scalable, production-ready products while fostering a culture of experimentation an...
6 days ago
Software Development Manager, Selling Partner Financial Tech, Vendor Funding
$184K - $250K *
Innovate solutions that leverage GenAI to enhance vendor experiences and drive profitability. Lead a dynamic engineering team in developing high-impact software systems that transform Amazon Retail's...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Fullstack
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by owning a cutting-edge software platform that connects environmental sensors to facilities teams, ensuring safety and livability in military barracks. Collaborate across teams to...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer II, EC2 Blackfoot Peering Team
$143K - $194K *
Champion high-performance networking solutions by designing and implementing forwarding and encapsulation services in C/C++. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize code for embedded syste...
1 week 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.