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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$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and executing tests for complex RF and digital systems. Leverage your electronics engineering expertise to develop innovative test solutions and support criti...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion quality and compliance as you lead critical testing activities, ensuring adherence to standards while collaborating with teams to enhance product performance and customer satisfaction in a dy...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $194K *

Transform the delivery experience by engineering scalable software solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and drive innovation across the shopping journey, impacting millions globally with relia...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$105K - $125K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced test solutions for cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and validation of systems, driving efficienc...

Aurora, ONIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $125K *

Drive innovation as you develop advanced test solutions for cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and deliver high-reliability solutions in...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of cloud architecture by developing scalable systems and integrating cutting-edge software for next-gen data centers. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability i...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $119K *

Champion the testing and calibration of radar products, ensuring reliability and performance in a production environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test procedures and trouble...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software engineering by leading development efforts, mentoring peers, and driving innovation across projects to deliver high-quality solutions and enhance team...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovation as a Lead Software Engineer, driving team performance and delivering impactful software solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance skills, optimize processes, and implement cut...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$147K - $220K *

Transform your career by leading the development of innovative test systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product quality and efficiency while managing complex programs in a fast-paced en...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $199K *

Unlock potential by driving software quality and security in a dynamic environment. Collaborate on build processes, automated QA, and compliance standards within a diverse team to enhance productivity...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$58K - $108K *

Unlock your potential as you validate software processes and ensure compliance. Collaborate with teams to enhance quality systems and contribute to innovative software solutions in a dynamic environme...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Build innovative technology solutions for Equity Portfolio Management. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance functionality and maintain high software quality, while leveraging modern practices and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable applications and optimizing performance. Collaborate with diverse experts in an Agile environment, delivering high-quality software solutions while...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$79K - $158K *

Transform business solutions by developing full-stack web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable, data-driven solutions using Python, TypeScript, and modern framework...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $270K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional initiatives in financial systems automation and product development. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll drive technical architecture and standards, e...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $100K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic project initiatives while fostering a cultur...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $175K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of military cyber operations by leveraging your expertise in software development to create and refine cutting-edge exploit tools, ensuring operational readiness a...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $204K *

Join a team that's redefining satellite communications through systems engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize hardware/software integration, troubleshoot yield issues, and dr...

1 month ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Discover innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, leveraging your extensive experience to drive complex projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software processes and deliver...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions, leveraging extensive experience in complex programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and drive projec...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$188K - $242K *

Join a dynamic team to lead technical solutions for partner integrations, enhancing developer experiences through innovative SDKs, documentation, and automation. Drive impactful projects from design t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Transform core ad experiences by crafting impactful code that millions will see. Collaborate with diverse experts to tackle challenges, own projects, and drive the future of advertising in a dynamic...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-quality software solutions by managing teams, driving project success, and fostering customer relationships. Utilize your expertise to enhance product functionality...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of software development by leading teams to deliver high-quality solutions, managing complex projects, and fostering strong customer relationships to drive business growth and continu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.