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.
Application Security Engineer, ASSET
$136K - $184K *
Elevate security standards by joining a dynamic team focused on protecting networks, systems, and applications. Collaborate with engineers and developers to implement innovative security solutions tha...
Yesterday
Staff Software Engineer, Product
$200K - $400K *
Lead the charge in designing and building robust systems for AI agent configuration, training, and monitoring. Collaborate closely with product and design teams to deliver user-friendly solutions that...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Product
$200K - $400K *
Explore a pivotal role in shaping AI agent systems, driving innovation through self-serve functionalities and robust monitoring tools. Collaborate closely with product and design teams to deliver impa...
1 week ago
$135K - $165K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative AI products by designing, building, and maintaining full-stack applications and backend services, while ensuring platform reliability and security in a collabo...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $131K *
Empower product quality by ensuring compliance and integrity in software development. Collaborate across teams to drive continuous improvement and effective testing of digital products, enhancing over...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Development Engineer , FinTech Entity Data Service
$143K - $194K *
Elevate financial technology by designing scalable systems that enhance global transactions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and improve customer experiences while tackling complex...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer II | Speed + AI , Speed + AI
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that designs scalable software solutions to enhance customer delivery experiences. Collaborate with diverse teams and influence operations through your code, while mentoring junior enginee...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Full Stack Software Developer
$110K - $135K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring junior developers and integrating cut...
1 week ago
$108K - $218K *
Engage in software design and development, enhancing systems and tools. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and debug software, ensuring high-quality solutions for diverse platforms. Contribute to...
Reposted 3 days ago
$118K - $219K *
Lead architectural direction and drive complex initiatives in Cloud Cost Management. Mentor engineers, establish best practices, and enhance platform capabilities through AI and automation, ensuring s...
1 week ago
Senior System Development Engineer - AWS Networking System Test, Release Engineering and System Test
$173K - $235K *
Innovate with us to develop automated test systems for AWS networking products, ensuring reliability and efficiency at scale. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance cloud infrastructure and drive c...
4 weeks ago
$67K - $92K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through automated testing. Collaborate with developers, execute test cases, and leverage AI tools to enhance testing processes while participa...
1 week ago
$85K - $116K *
Transform software quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive test plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality deliverables and drive improvements in testing...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Elevate our software quality by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring high standards and user satisfaction through innovative testing strategies and collaboration with cross-func...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Develop and execute comprehensive testing strategies to ensure software quality, leveraging strong programming skills and extensive experience in both manual and automated testing within Agile environ...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Advance your career by joining a dynamic team focused on delivering high-quality software solutions. Leverage your programming expertise and testing skills to ensure robust performance and reliability...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through innovative testing strategies. Leverage your programming expertise and testing skills to enhance system performance and deliver high-q...
Yesterday
$85K - $116K *
Unlock potential by leading software testing initiatives, ensuring high-quality deliverables through robust test plans and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliab...
Yesterday
Environmental Test Engineer, Space Simulation Lab
$82K - $144K *
Drive innovation by owning environmental test equipment, enhancing reliability, and developing processes. Lead troubleshooting efforts and mentor technicians while ensuring optimal performance and eff...
Today
Software Development Engineer 3- AI & Agentic Systems
$121K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven technology by designing and implementing innovative solutions. As a senior technical leader, you'll drive major initiatives, mentor others, and ensur...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer 3- AI & Agentic Systems
$121K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading AI-driven initiatives and designing robust systems. As a senior technical leader, you'll drive end-to-end service lifecycles, mentor teams, and shape the future of technolo...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer 3- AI & Agentic Systems
$121K - $145K *
Empower a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven technology. As a senior technical leader, you'll design innovative services, solve complex integration challenges, and drive major initiatives fro...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer 3- AI & Agentic Systems
$121K - $145K *
Lead the charge in AI-driven software development, designing robust services and integrations. Drive internal education, optimize CI/CD pipelines, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring high stand...
2 weeks ago
Sr Forward Deployed Engineer, Forward Deployment Engineering
$184K - $250K *
Lead technical delivery and architect AI systems at scale, collaborating with enterprise customers to drive operational excellence and accelerate AI adoption. Mentor teams and define engineering stand...
1 week ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$152K - $190K *
Develop high-performance networking solutions using Rust for a secure client connector. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance code quality and implement impactful features while addressin...
3 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.