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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$170K - $297K *

Engineer scalable software solutions that drive product success across teams. Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to define strategies, enhance performance, and mentor engineers while l...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $175K *

Shape the future of electrical testing by leading technical initiatives, mentoring specialists, and enhancing test processes to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate across teams to...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $175K *

Lead the charge in advancing electrical test processes, establishing best practices, and mentoring a team of Test Specialists. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust testing and qual...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Champion the design and delivery of complex software solutions, leading projects and enhancing engineering practices. Collaborate across teams to drive customer value and mentor peers in a dynamic, in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$154K - $260K *

Develop AI-driven workflows to enhance CI/CD systems, ensuring safe, efficient software delivery. Collaborate with teams to reduce tech debt and improve production reliability while scaling engineerin...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop mission-critical software for automated testing in defense. Collaborate with partners to enhance national security through innovative solutions in electronic warfare and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing military simulation systems through rigorous testing and validation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and reliability while managi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $120K *

Lead the charge in quality engineering for critical assessment platforms, driving testing excellence and automation maturity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and scalabil...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $130K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate closely with teams to create high-quality applications while adapting to new tools and process...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Join us in shaping a robust QA automation framework for Windows and web applications. Leverage your expertise in automation technologies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $135K *

Deliver high-quality automated testing solutions by creating and executing test scripts, collaborating with development teams, and maintaining CI/CD workflows in a dynamic, fast-paced environment...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of enterprise software by designing and building scalable, secure backend systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment and integration capabilities, ensuring...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $170K *

Unlock potential by designing and deploying innovative software solutions. Collaborate with teams to develop scalable applications, manage microservices, and enhance user experiences through cutting-e...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$189K - $206K *

Lead a team to develop and maintain critical software solutions, ensuring seamless integration across commercial systems and finance functions while mentoring global developers and driving platform sc...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$143K - $194K *

Launch innovative satellite test infrastructure as a Software Development Engineer, leading the design and implementation of automated solutions, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ens...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of testing as you collaborate with teams to enhance test strategies, troubleshoot systems, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing environments, ensuring quality and efficie...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$171K - $240K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing travel technology by leading the design and evolution of scalable GenAI services to enhance experiences across global platforms and drive innovation in AI capabiliti...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$144K - $192K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing product quality through innovative embedded software solutions. Collaborate on complex, multi-platform challenges while driving automation and analytics to st...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$191K - $239K *

Elevate consumer experiences by driving AI innovations and technical direction across engineering teams, enhancing high-traffic services for millions. Mentor talent, establish best practices, and deli...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovation in test engineering by developing solutions for embedded military systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance test methods and troubleshoot issues, while gaining hands...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$102K - $189K *

Champion the development of AI-driven backend systems, transforming innovative concepts into scalable solutions for legal professionals. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product capabilities...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$102K - $189K *

Elevate your career by driving innovative front-end solutions for AI-powered legal products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable, user-friendly interfaces while mentoring fellow...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$102K - $189K *

Shape the future of AI in legal tech by building scalable backend systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions and mentor fellow engineers in a dynamic, fast-paced...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $145K *

Advance innovation by leveraging 12+ years of software engineering expertise in complex programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance software solutions using Java, Springboot, and cloud technologies, e...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative software solutions. Leverage your extensive experience in software engineering to drive complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional tea...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.