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 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

$176K - $264K *

Join a team that drives cloud migration for acquired companies, collaborating with engineering leads to analyze, design, and implement service transitions onto a standardized platform. Technical exper...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$115K - $160K *

Advance your career by translating business needs into innovative tech solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and automate processes, driving efficiency and g...

1 week ago

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

$236K - $354K *

Lead the design and architecture of large-scale Continuous Integration systems, enhancing developer workflows and software delivery across a multi-cloud environment. Collaborate with teams to drive te...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $140K *

Engage in full-lifecycle software development, collaborating on design and coding to enhance a distributed storage engine. Contribute to innovative features while honing your engineering skills in a s...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$106K - $284K *

Advance healthcare technology by leading the design and development of scalable, secure applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and mentor engineers in modern...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $128K *

Join a team that's redefining test automation for healthcare systems. Leverage your expertise in Java, Python, and REST APIs to design innovative solutions and enhance testing strategies, driving imme...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$127K - $213K *

Transform integration solutions by designing and developing robust MuleSoft applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery and optimize performance while mentori...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$193K - $261K *

Accelerate innovation in cloud computing by developing cutting-edge technologies for high-performance workloads. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance AWS services, focusing on security, scalabil...

Yesterday

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

$76K - $115K *

Drive quality assurance by designing and maintaining automated testing frameworks. Collaborate across teams to enhance software development processes, ensuring robust, scalable solutions throughout th...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engineer robust automated validation systems for complex Modeling & Simulation platforms, ensuring high-quality software through risk-based testing strategies and hands-on infrastructure development...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $297K *

Lead the development of scalable software solutions, driving technical strategy and architecture across teams. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to enhance product performance and mentor engi...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $297K *

Lead the development of scalable software solutions, driving technical strategy and architecture across teams. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to enhance product performance and reliability...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $95K *

Engage in the development and execution of automated testing strategies, ensuring software quality through comprehensive test plans and scripts. Collaborate with teams to maintain CI/CD pipelines and...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Transform your career by joining our team as a Test Automation Engineer, where you'll develop automated testing solutions, ensure software quality, and support user acceptance testing in a collaborati...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Innovate with us as a Test Automation Engineer, driving quality through automated testing, CI/CD integration, and user acceptance support. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to enhance software reli...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as a Test Automation Engineer, driving quality through automated testing, defect management, and CI/CD integration. Collaborate with teams to ensure software excellence and suppo...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Drive quality assurance by creating and maintaining automated test suites, executing comprehensive testing strategies, and ensuring software readiness through meticulous defect management and reportin...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Champion the development of automated testing solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create test plans, execute testing strategies...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance software quality through automated testing. You'll develop test plans, maintain CI/CD suites, and ensure release readiness while supporting UAT and compliance testing. D...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through automation. You'll develop test plans, maintain automated testing suites, and ensure release readiness while collaborating closely wi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through automation. You'll develop test plans, maintain automated suites, and ensure release readiness while collaborating in a dynamic, remo...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Drive quality assurance by developing automated test suites and executing comprehensive testing strategies. Collaborate with teams to ensure software reliability and compliance, while maintaining a fo...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team as you engineer automated testing solutions, ensuring software quality through comprehensive test plans and scripts. Collaborate in a CI/CD environment, supporting UAT and maintain...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Champion the development of automated testing solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create test plans and execute comprehensive te...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.