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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$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

$60K - $180K *

Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, troubleshoot issues, and enhance system integration for advanced technologies. Collaborate with teams to optimize testing processes and ensure high-qualit...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $105K *

Unlock potential by engaging in a dynamic, one-year rotational program designed for emerging engineers. Gain hands-on experience across diverse teams, explore cutting-edge technologies, and develop a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$168K - $252K *

Join a dynamic team to build innovative full stack solutions that integrate AI into HR and Finance workflows. Collaborate across disciplines to create scalable, reliable systems that enhance user expe...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Oversee software testing for critical defense systems, ensuring functionality and interoperability. Collaborate with government teams to execute Agile methodologies, optimize delivery, and support ope...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$154K - $260K *

Join a forward-thinking team to enhance user experiences through innovative AI solutions and full-stack development, impacting industries worldwide by improving workflows within the Samsara dashboard...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $250K *

Lead a high-performing engineering team to enhance CloudWatch Logs. Drive technical strategy, architectural decisions, and operational excellence while fostering a culture of ownership and inclusion...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of robust enterprise applications, focused on Java and Spring Framework, while driving agile methodologies and fostering innovative solutions in a collabora...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation by owning the testing and validation of designs into flight-ready hardware. Collaborate across engineering and operations to ensure rigorous testing and data-driven improvements in a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in transforming designs into flight-ready hardware through rigorous testing and analysis. Collaborate across engineering and operations to validate systems, ensuring high-quality perfo...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Innovate and enhance a Kubernetes-native application, driving backend and frontend development with Go, TypeScript, and Python. Collaborate across teams to ensure operational excellence and maintain c...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of a Kubernetes-native application, enhancing backend services and web frontends while collaborating across teams to ensure operational excellence and innov...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$68K - $113K *

Collaborate to optimize AI model operations on GKE, enhance cost efficiency, and automate delivery pipelines. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and reliability in a dynamic cloud en...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$202K - $224K *

Drive the development of high-throughput, low-latency systems for Uber Eats, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance core user experiences across multiple product lines and ensuring robus...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Join a team that's building high-throughput, low-latency systems for Uber Eats. Collaborate across product lines to enhance core user experiences while developing innovative solutions in a fast-paced...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$108K - $115K *

Join our agile team as a full stack engineer to develop innovative applications, enhance AI features, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with cross-functional partners in a dynamic...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$108K - $115K *

Unlock your potential as a full stack engineer, collaborating in an agile team to develop innovative applications and features, while leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance product offerin...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$130K - $155K *

Engage in cutting-edge AI software development for advanced data centers. Collaborate with open-source communities to enhance GPU performance and innovate AI tools, driving the future of technology in...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$89K - $131K *

Design and implement systems solutions for national security projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective integration, testing, and evaluation of emerging technologies in o...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$199K - $235K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software deployment and system stability in high-performance computing environments. You'll lead orchestration efforts, ensuring secure and reliable operation...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $235K *

Champion software deployment orchestration and system stability in high-performance computing environments, ensuring reliable, secure deployments while collaborating with operations teams to enhance l...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $250K *

Lead the design and deployment of AI systems, collaborating with enterprise customers to drive technical strategy and operational excellence. Own end-to-end outcomes while mentoring teams and scaling...

2 weeks ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Champion the development of robust backend applications and APIs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in the mortgage industry. Drive projects from design to depl...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in building innovative software solutions that empower customers to manage their businesses effectively. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Empower the development and enhancement of avionics software systems, engaging in the full software lifecycle from analysis to certification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-qua...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 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.