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.
$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
$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
Software Dev Engineer II | Sub-Same-Day, Speed Tech
$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
Test Engineer, Advanced Systems
$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...
3 days ago
Test Engineer, Advanced Systems
$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
Software Engineer - Developer Productivity Engineering
$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
$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
Lead Software Development Engineer
$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
Lead Software Development Engineer
$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
Senior Program Manager, Test Automation
$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
DevOps & Software Quality Engineer
$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
Software Quality Engineer Associate
$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
Software Engineer (Contractor)
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer - Operational Analytics
$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
Principal Software Engineer, Devices Global Retail Technology
$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
Manager - Software Development Engineering S 4D
$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...
1 week ago
$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
Sr. Systems Development Engineer, Test Automation, Sustaining Engineering
$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
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 036)
$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
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 036)
$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
Senior Software Engineer, Solutions Engineering
$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
Software Engineer, Early Career
$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
$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
$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
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.