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 *

Unlock innovation by joining a dynamic team focused on advanced software development for a scalable, serverless SQL database. Collaborate on building resilient systems and APIs that enhance product in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$83K - $120K *

Unlock potential by designing and enhancing agentic systems that streamline AI-assisted software development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve engin...

Burnaby, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$193K - $309K *

Pioneer innovative developer experiences by setting technical direction and enhancing workflows. Collaborate across teams to design solutions that empower engineers, leveraging AI to redefine software...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $185K *

Unlock your potential by leading the design and implementation of innovative digital solutions for Veteran healthcare services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise applicatio...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $180K *

Transform your career by developing and enhancing complex software systems. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement innovative solutions that meet performance sta...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $180K *

Engage in the development and enhancement of complex software systems, collaborating with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement solutions that meet performance standards while e...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $229K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of gaming quality assurance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automated testing frameworks, ensuring exceptional player experiences while mentori...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $176K *

Empower innovation as you develop automated testing frameworks, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior members to enhance quality assurance processes and deliver exceptional gaming...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$104K *

Innovate and shape the future of technology by developing tools and applications that enhance systems. Collaborate with teams to build secure, maintainable code while gaining hands-on experience in a...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development of a cloud-native platform on AWS, designing APIs and event-driven services. Collaborate with teams to enhance customer experiences while ensuring reliability and accessibility fo...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$165K - $185K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of test automation, driving quality and performance through innovative strategies and frameworks. Collaborate within an agile team to enhance product scalability a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$116K - $173K *

Innovate within the Software Development Lifecycle, collaborating with peers to implement solutions, make technical decisions, and contribute to code reviews while adhering to established standards an...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$143K - $194K *

Optimize data processing for high-volume ad events, ensuring compliance and scalability. Design and implement Spark-based pipelines while collaborating across teams to enhance system architecture and...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Drive innovation by designing and building scalable technologies that transform distributed systems. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to create impactful products and solutions in a fast-pace...

2 weeks ago

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

$190K - $267K *

Unlock potential by designing and building innovative developer tools that enhance software development processes. Collaborate across teams to improve reliability, usability, and scalability of servic...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$129K - $174K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in designing and programming advanced controls systems, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment...

Yesterday

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

$95K - $115K *

Transform manufacturing operations by delivering scalable software solutions. In this senior role, you'll collaborate with experts to enhance efficiency, mentor developers, and drive digital initiativ...

Edmonton, ABIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $174K *

Transform manufacturing processes by designing and programming advanced controls systems. Drive automation integration and ensure operational excellence across production lines, enhancing reliability...

Yesterday

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

$95K - $115K *

Innovate automated testing processes by developing AI-assisted solutions that enhance software quality and streamline CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable testin...

Calgary, ABRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$90K - $110K *

Empower quality assurance by developing AI-assisted automated tests, integrating them into CI/CD pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and release ef...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$143K - $194K *

Develop scalable systems that empower billions of IoT devices to connect securely. Lead the design and implementation of core services for device identity and management, ensuring high availability an...

Yesterday

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

$76K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring high-quality software delivery through innovative automated testing solutions. Leverage your expertise in web automation frameworks and Java to drive excellenc...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Engage in comprehensive vehicle testing and validation, focusing on performance metrics and advanced driving systems. Collaborate with teams to analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and document findings...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$91K - $152K *

Join a team that's building scalable AI platforms, enhancing model delivery, and optimizing costs. You'll independently deliver components and drive efficiency improvements while collaborating with cr...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.