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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$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...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Deliver high-quality technical solutions by building and operating AI-driven testing platforms at scale, influencing architecture, partnering with engineers, and setting excellence standards to empowe...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining space exploration by designing and maintaining test facilities for cutting-edge launch vehicles. Your expertise will ensure operational excellence and safety in high-stak...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Innovate the future of e-commerce testing by developing automated solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency in a dynamic environment...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $175K *

Join a dynamic team to develop scalable full-stack applications, enhancing a leading portfolio management platform. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver exceptional user experiences and drive inn...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $175K *

Reimagine the future of portfolio management by developing scalable full-stack applications. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and tackle complex challenges in a cloud-native environ...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $175K *

Join a dynamic team to develop scalable full-stack applications, enhancing user experience and driving innovation in portfolio management software for global investment firms. Collaborate across all p...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$86K - $198K *

Optimize software testing processes by collaborating with developers and users to ensure product integrity. Automate security and performance testing while enhancing your skills in cloud development a...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$86K - $198K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software testing by automating security and performance evaluations. Collaborate with developers and users to enhance cloud-based systems while expanding your...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$115K - $151K *

Pioneer innovative software solutions for semiconductor test systems, leading architectural direction and technical strategy. Collaborate globally to enhance product capabilities and mentor engineerin...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in ensuring aerospace product quality by executing test plans, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and analyzing data to meet stringent industry standards. Your expertise will d...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$82K - $103K *

Elevate production quality by developing and sustaining test solutions for PCBAs. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability, efficiency, and safety in manufacturing processes while supporting ne...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$200K - $250K *

Elevate your career by shaping our UI platform, driving architectural improvements, and collaborating with product teams to deliver high-impact solutions across 100+ applications in a dynamic environm...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $250K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic software engineering team focused on electronic execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement cutting-edge practices and solutions within the financia...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $250K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of electronic execution in finance. Lead and develop a high-performing engineering group while driving collaboration and innovation, ensuring best practices are f...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $250K *

Lead a team of developers in delivering cutting-edge technology solutions, driving collaboration and best practices to optimize electronic execution in financial markets. Engage in strategic problem-s...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $250K *

Accelerate the growth of a high-performing tech team delivering electronic execution solutions in finance. Collaborate and innovate to enhance engineering practices and resolve cross-group misalignmen...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's building innovative remote sensing applications. Contribute your expertise in software development to create impactful solutions, ensuring reliability and performance in a collabora...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $169K *

Advance your career as a Software Verification Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure software quality and compliance. Engage in all phases of the software development lifecycle...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$67K - $97K *

Join our team to ensure the safety and reliability of flight control systems through rigorous software verification and validation of embedded software solutions, contributing to process improvements...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $200K *

Explore innovative solutions as you enhance site performance and scalability. Collaborate with engineering teams to streamline technology and develop robust monitoring tools, ensuring optimal deployme...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $140K *

Empower your career as a Senior Software Design Quality Engineer, driving the development and compliance of innovative medical software products while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and qu...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead quality assurance for healthcare technology solutions. Drive testing strategies, mentor junior engineers, and ensure the reliability of critical clinical workflows through...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of defense systems by leading engineering efforts in weapon systems acquisition, ensuring effective integration and performance across all phases of the DoD lifecycle while collab...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $152K *

Lead the charge in software testing and automation, ensuring quality and efficiency through comprehensive test plans. Collaborate with teams, analyze results, and enhance methodologies in a fast-paced...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

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.