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 *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on automating AWS deployments. Collaborate with innovative engineers to solve complex challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and drive impact...

6 days ago

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

$114K - $191K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of software development by leading complex migration initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize solutions that drive s...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Reposted today

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

$158K - $213K *

Drive the development of innovative software solutions by designing, implementing, and testing robust applications. Collaborate throughout the full development cycle while mentoring junior engineers t...

Yesterday

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

$158K - $213K *

Innovate by designing and developing robust software solutions, participating in the full development cycle, and mentoring junior engineers to enhance team capabilities and deliver high-quality applic...

1 week ago

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

$142K - $192K *

Elevate finance operations by developing robust Workday integrations and automating processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate data flow and compliance, enhancing the financ...

6 days ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Empower AWS field teams by developing AI-driven enablement platforms that enhance learning, engagement, and customer interaction. Own backend and full-stack projects, ensuring scalable solutions and o...

2 days ago

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

$129K - $174K *

Empower innovative software development by designing embedded solutions, collaborating across teams, and enhancing autonomous system capabilities to drive critical satellite functions...

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$168K - $227K *

Champion the design and delivery of scalable software solutions, leading complex projects while mentoring engineers and collaborating across teams to drive best practices and innovation in a dynamic e...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $251K *

Innovate cutting-edge distributed systems software, delivering quality features on-time. Collaborate with teams, mentor engineers, and explore new technologies to enhance development practices in a dy...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's building critical software for provisioning and managing AI systems. You'll own services from design to production, ensuring reliability and performance in a fast-paced environment...

Yesterday

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

$165K - $223K *

Transform the future of AI by developing scalable, efficient software solutions. Lead strategic projects, mentor engineers, and tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced environment, making a signific...

Yesterday

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

$143K - $194K *

Elevate user engagement by developing innovative frontend and backend features that enhance how millions discover and interact with entertainment content. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dr...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge machine learning systems. Influence strategy, drive architecture, and mentor junior engineers while delivering innovative solutions for a global...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Empower your career by tackling complex challenges in distributed systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable solutions that enhance enterprise governance and user experiences...

1 week ago

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

$165K - $223K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI solutions by tackling complex engineering challenges. Play a key role in designing scalable systems and mentoring engineers, while delivering impactful software that shapes th...

1 week ago

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

$158K - $213K *

Transform advertising technology by designing and developing scalable services that process billions of ad events daily, ensuring high availability and low latency across multiple performance advertis...

Yesterday

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

$143K - $194K *

Transform your career by driving innovative developer experiences in a dynamic team. Leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance services and tools, while influencing product strategy and architectu...

2 weeks ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Drive quality assurance excellence by developing automated tests using Playwright and TypeScript. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance CI/CD processes and ensure product reliability acro...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$143K - $194K *

Shape the future of technology by designing and developing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance systems and mentor junior engineers while driving continuous improve...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join our dynamic team to enhance QA automation and CI/CD processes. As a key player, you'll develop automated tests using Playwright and TypeScript, ensuring product quality and seamless integration a...

Livonia, MIRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$85K - $116K *

Innovate your career by developing and executing test plans to ensure software quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and deliver high-quality solutions in a dyn...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Transform the future of software quality by developing and executing robust test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables through innovative testing strategies and collaboration with cross-functional...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Innovate testing processes by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring software quality through automation and manual testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliv...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Innovate and enhance software quality by developing and executing comprehensive test plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality deliverables while leveraging strong programm...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Drive quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring software reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and de...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 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.