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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$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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining digital security by designing and building robust services for managing certificates, ensuring secure connections across the internet while enhancing customer experiences...

3 days ago

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

$104K - $160K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing critical infrastructure systems, ensuring operational readiness and technical excellence across multiple facilities in a rapidly expanding global network...

Yesterday

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

$168K - $227K *

Engineer the next-gen service mesh for EKS, optimizing traffic management and security without sidecars. Collaborate with experts to solve complex challenges and enhance performance for a global custo...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading server production testing, ensuring quality and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and uphold global standards in a dynamic manufactu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $120K *

Engineer high-quality software solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams, writing clean code, and leveraging the latest technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in a dynamic enviro...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$243K - $295K *

Engage in the innovative development of core engine systems for a dynamic platform, ensuring optimal performance across devices while taking ownership of projects throughout their lifecycle. Collabora...

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$111K - $160K *

Transform the quality assurance process by developing and executing test plans for In Flight Entertainment and Cabin Management Systems, ensuring reliability and functionality through both manual and...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$219K - $353K *

Lead the charge in quality assurance by owning the testing process, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior members to enhance technical capabilities and drive engineering exce...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$151K - $204K *

Shape the future of robotics by leading a dynamic team in a cutting-edge test lab. Oversee operations, enhance processes, and ensure high-quality testing for next-gen systems while fostering a culture...

2 weeks ago

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

$151K - $204K *

Drive the establishment of a cutting-edge lab organization, leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality testing and validation of robotics systems. Oversee operations, enhance processes, a...

2 weeks ago

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

$111K - $132K *

Pioneer innovative testing solutions by developing and maintaining software for prototype validation. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product quality while troubleshooting Android and Linux d...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $95K *

Empower your career by driving vehicle-level testing for cutting-edge ADAS technologies. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure robust validation and compliance, delivering safe, hi...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$231K - $323K *

Drive the architectural vision and delivery of complex software solutions, optimizing performance and security across multiple domains while mentoring engineering teams and integrating AI/ML solutions...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$113K - $160K *

Develop and execute quality assurance processes for large-scale systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing methodologies and ensure software reliability using advanced technol...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Design and develop software solutions for the Navy's cybersecurity program, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. Collaborate with engineers to implement scalable architectures and maintain software...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$171K - $296K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge ATE test automation solutions, driving efficiency and quality across diverse product lines in Automotive and Industrial markets. Collaborate with cross-funct...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$171K - $296K *

Shape the future of semiconductor testing by driving ATE automation and developing innovative test solutions across diverse product lines, enhancing quality and efficiency in the Automotive and Indust...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $194K *

Unlock your potential by designing and developing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with global teams to enhance system resilience and operational excellence while shaping the future of secur...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Engineer innovative software solutions by developing and enhancing systems. Collaborate with peers to ensure quality and adherence to standards while managing individual components and integrating the...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $180K *

Drive the evolution of our Python-based modeling services and dashboard applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance investment processes, integrating AI-driven capabilities and setting te...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $180K *

Engineer innovative investment modeling applications, leading full-stack development and AI integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows and elevate technical standards, d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$199K - $235K *

Unlock advanced solutions in security infrastructure as a Subject Matter Expert, driving implementation and integration of Delinea tools while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance cred...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 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.