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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$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

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

$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

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

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

$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...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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

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

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   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.