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.
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 037)
$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
$85K - $100K *
Empower your career by joining an Agile team focused on developing mission-critical software solutions. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, engaging in sprints and enhancing your skills in real-time...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Transform complex test engineering solutions by designing and developing advanced test consoles for aerospace applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery and...
1 week ago
$119K - $234K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI in Microsoft 365 Copilot. You'll build scalable backend services and multi-model experiences, driving innovation and delivering impactful customer solutions...
Yesterday
$119K - $234K *
Elevate cloud operations by developing autonomous capabilities for COSMIC. Own significant features that enable AI agents to execute workflows at scale, ensuring reliability and optimization while col...
Today
$119K - $234K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative platform services. Collaborate with teams to enhance core capabilities, ensuring reliability and performance across a high-scale ecosystem. J...
Yesterday
Software Test / Integration Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading software integration and testing for complex systems. Collaborate across teams to develop automated solutions, execute test plans, and ensure requirements verification thro...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, UI Development
$135K - $160K *
Elevate user experiences by leading UI development for innovative spectrum data products. Drive architecture, integrate AI capabilities, and create high-performance visualizations while collaborating...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Partner with us to support all phases of Delivery Operations, engaging in MTE activities across various operations. Thrive in a dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities while ensuring miss...
1 week ago
$71K - $118K *
Champion the development of automated test systems, collaborating with engineering and IT teams to enhance product functionality and documentation, while ensuring high-quality standards in a dynamic e...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer in Test
$142K - $197K *
Drive the future of test engineering by leveraging generative AI to enhance product quality and automation. Collaborate with teams to design, test, and deliver innovative solutions, ensuring robust in...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer , ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Drive the design and operation of EC2 control-plane services in secure, air-gapped environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance infrastructure, automate processes, and ensure high-quality software...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineer , ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to design and operate secure EC2 control-plane services in air-gapped environments, enhancing cloud infrastructure for government clients. Own features from design to production, d...
6 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the quality and reliability of banking products. You'll plan and execute testing, validate requirements, and support release readiness in a fast-paced environm...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Contribute to the quality and reliability of our banking platform by executing comprehensive testing strategies, validating business requirements, and enhancing automation processes to ensure seamless...
1 week ago
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II
$95K - $115K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and delivering complex features. Take ownership of projects from inception to deployment while mentoring peers and enhancing team quali...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer III, Scaling Efficiency, CloudTune
$150K - $251K *
Join a team that's redefining infrastructure efficiency by designing and delivering scalable distributed systems. Leverage your expertise to solve complex problems and enhance operational excellence a...
1 week ago
Advanced Software Engineer - DevSecOps
$110K - $130K *
Join us to drive software integration projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and seamless collaboration across teams while implementing DevSecOps practices and enhancing our aerospace technology...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by driving continuous improvement initiatives, managing APQP activities, and ensuring compliance with industry standards to enhance product quality and customer sa...
Yesterday
Software Development Engineer, Aurora Control Plane
$143K - $194K *
Engage with a talented team to design robust, scalable database systems. Innovate and mentor while driving technology advancements in a fast-paced environment focused on reliability and performance fo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Elevate quality assurance by designing and executing tests for the EDGAR 2.0 platform. Collaborate with Agile teams to validate features, track defects, and enhance testing processes using AI tools fo...
Yesterday
$120K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing quality engineering for the EDGAR 2.0 platform. You'll design and execute tests, validate features, and collaborate with Agile teams to ensure top-notch softw...
Yesterday
$120K - $130K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by validating features and tracking defects across Agile teams. Leverage AI tools to enhance testing efficiency and contribute to continuous improvement in QA stan...
1 week ago
$120K - $130K *
Champion quality assurance by designing and executing tests for the EDGAR 2.0 platform. Collaborate with Agile teams to validate features, track defects, and enhance testing processes using AI tools...
1 week ago
Software Integration & Test Engineer
$80K - $120K *
Advance quality assurance by executing embedded software tests, developing automation frameworks, and collaborating in a dynamic environment to deliver reliable electronic control units that meet stri...
Reposted 3 days 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.