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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$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

$152K - $190K *

Innovate as a Staff Software Development Engineer, driving high-performance networking solutions using Rust. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance code quality and tackle complex challeng...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$158K - $213K *

Advance the future of cloud contact centers by developing scalable, resilient systems. Collaborate with senior leaders to innovate and solve complex engineering challenges while maintaining a strong c...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation by developing scalable backend services and intuitive frontends. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance risk data insights using .NET, Angular, and AWS, while integrating AI tools...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation by designing and implementing testing solutions for semiconductor systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software applications, automate testing processes, and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Lead the development of AI-driven systems for optimizing transportation networks, focusing on automation, route optimization, and scalable distributed systems to enhance efficiency and sustainability...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Optimize AI-driven transportation networks by designing scalable systems that enhance route efficiency and sustainability. Collaborate on cutting-edge algorithms to revolutionize real-time decision-ma...

1 week ago

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

$274K - $296K *

Innovate and lead the development of large-scale data systems, enabling real-time insights and advanced analytics across our platforms. Drive AI/ML initiatives for service enhancement while managing v...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$155K - $165K *

Unlock your potential as you support the Air Force's modernization efforts through software engineering, collaborating across teams to enhance system performance and mission effectiveness in a dynamic...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $116K *

Tackle complex software testing challenges by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system per...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role focused on developing and executing automated test plans, ensuring high-quality software deliverables, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance te...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Empower a dynamic team by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and procedures, ensuring high-quality software deliverables while collaborating across departments to resolve complex techni...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Tackle complex software testing challenges by developing and executing test plans, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and r...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Lead the charge in ensuring high-quality software deliverables through comprehensive testing strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute test plans, enhancing system per...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and execute automated testing strategies, ensuring high-quality software deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and drive con...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring high-quality software through comprehensive testing. You'll develop and execute test plans, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements in...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring high-quality software through comprehensive testing. You'll develop and execute test plans, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements in...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and procedures to ensure software quality and compliance with standards, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and enhance test...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Engineer robust automated testing solutions to enhance software quality and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test plans, execute tests, and ensure compliance with standa...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Drive quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and cases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets high standards and user requirements, while con...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Champion the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and procedures, ensuring high-quality deliverables for complex software projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams to m...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure high-quality software deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize testing processes and enhance sys...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring high-quality software through comprehensive testing. You'll develop and execute test plans, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements in...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Elevate software quality by developing and executing comprehensive test plans, ensuring systems meet standards and user needs. Collaborate with teams to identify issues, document results, and drive im...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Empower the quality assurance process by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and scripts, ensuring software reliability and performance across complex systems while collaborating with cr...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.