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.
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative machine learning solutions that optimize rider pricing and drive revenue growth. Collaborate across teams to enhance algorithms and mentor junior members, imp...
6 days ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced machine learning initiatives to optimize rider pricing, driving revenue growth and enhancing user experience across Uber's mobility services. Collaborate with cros...
6 days ago
Solutions Design Engineer, SSD Solutions
$78K - $137K *
Optimize innovative robotic material handling systems for next-gen fulfillment centers. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance performance, manage multiple projects, and leverage data analytics...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Drive the design and implementation of complex software solutions, providing technical leadership and mentorship. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system architecture and ensure high...
Yesterday
$120K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and implementation of complex software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical decisions and mentor engineers, ensuring scalable...
Yesterday
$140K - $175K *
Champion quality engineering by architecting innovative test strategies, leveraging AI tools, and enhancing automation practices to ensure robust software delivery across the SDLC, while collaborating...
Yesterday
$140K - $175K *
Champion quality engineering by architecting innovative test strategies, leveraging AI tools, and enhancing automation across the SDLC. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust testing...
Yesterday
$160K - $190K *
Lead the technical vision for large-scale systems software, architecting solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and scalability across distributed infrastructure serving billions of users. D...
1 week ago
$160K - $190K *
Shape the future of large-scale systems software by driving technical vision and architecture for platform services and runtime environments, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability across...
1 week ago
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing product quality through rigorous testing and collaboration. Contribute to the development of innovative solutions while ensuring seamless functionality and ef...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform quality assurance in retail by leading testing strategies and driving best practices. Collaborate with teams to ensure robust test coverage and enhance solutions, while mentoring junior engi...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $110K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for innovative POS solutions, driving testing strategies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the retail experience through comprehens...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform client data solutions by designing and developing enterprise-scale APIs and services. Collaborate across teams to enhance data management, improve system reliability, and support modernizati...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive success in testing and commissioning activities, ensuring compliance and safety while coordinating project execution and documentation. Collaborate with teams to validate installations and suppo...
1 week ago
Senior Software Developer in Test | Ingénieur·e logiciel senior en test
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career as a Senior Software Developer in Test, ensuring product quality through innovative testing strategies and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Lead initiatives to enhance so...
Today
$80K - $130K *
Develop and enhance test infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines to ensure reliable, scalable testing. Collaborate with engineering teams to streamline environments and improve test data management, enabli...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Developer Experience/Platform Engineering)
$93K - $202K *
Empower the future of developer experience by designing and enhancing platforms that boost productivity and streamline the software development lifecycle. Collaborate across teams to innovate and impl...
6 days ago
$104K - $133K *
Elevate software testing for geospatial systems by designing, debugging, and validating applications. Collaborate on GUIs and backend logic to enhance performance and functionality, ensuring high-qual...
3 weeks ago
Frontend Software Development Engineer III
$110K - $130K *
Deliver user-centric web applications by designing and implementing intuitive interfaces. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and enhance application performance while st...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $152K *
Join a team that's transforming software development by automating end-to-end testing. Collaborate with skilled engineers to enhance productivity and ensure quality across broadband and video services...
3 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, DevX (Developer Infrastructure)
$230K - $270K *
Reimagine developer infrastructure by leading the strategy for core systems critical to engineer productivity. Drive impactful change and collaboration while mentoring future infrastructure leaders...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Manage multiple engineering teams to deliver AI-driven software solutions, ensuring effective collaboration and resource allocation while fostering a positive team culture and driving innovation acros...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in empowering multiple engineering teams to deliver innovative software solutions, leveraging AI and cloud technologies in a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on impactful res...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading multiple engineering teams in a dynamic, AI-driven environment. Drive software solutions across DevX and core business capabilities while fostering a culture of collaborati...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Product
$200K - $400K *
Transform customer experiences by designing and building robust systems for configuring, training, and monitoring AI agents, ensuring usability for non-technical teams while maintaining powerful funct...
1 week 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.