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 Development Engineer, ADC2S
$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
Software Development Engineer, Navigator
$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...
Reposted today
Software Development Engineer II - AMZ27493.1
$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
Software Dev Engineer II - AMZ10587319
$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
System Development Engineer , Workday
$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
Software Development Engineer, AWS Field Experience
$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
System Development Engineer, Flight Computer Software
$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
Software Development Engineer III, AFX Planning Tools
$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
Senior Software Development Engineer, Transactional Services
$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...
Today
Software Development Engineer, Trainium Systems
$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
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$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
Software Development Engineer II, Engagement and Growth Tech
$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
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$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
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$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
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$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
Software Development Engineer, Sponsored Products and Brands
$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
Software Development Engineer, Luna DevX
$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
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
$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
Software Development Engineer, AWS Central SDE Team
$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
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
$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...
4 days ago
Software Developer in Test (SDET)
$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
Software Developer in Test (SDET)
$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
Software Developer in Test (SDET)
$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
Software Developer in Test (SDET)
$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
Software Developer in Test (SDET)
$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
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.