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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$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

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

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

$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

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

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

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

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

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   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.