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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$120K - $145K *

Champion the evolution of defense Test & Evaluation by integrating modern software solutions, enhancing workflows, and fostering collaboration across teams to deliver data-driven, efficient testing en...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading Digital Test & Evaluation initiatives that integrate modern software solutions into defense workflows, enhancing efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the T&E l...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$128K - $245K *

Shape the future of cloud software development by designing and optimizing innovative solutions that enhance simulation and modeling. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical excelle...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $180K *

Architect innovative software solutions for semiconductor test platforms, integrating design and coding with hands-on technical leadership while collaborating with global engineering teams to deliver...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $227K *

Transform the capabilities of global hiring by architecting scalable software systems that enhance the employee journey, leveraging technical acumen to deliver robust, high-quality solutions in collab...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop scalable software solutions, enhancing customer delivery experiences. Collaborate across disciplines to innovate and optimize systems while mentoring junior e...

Today

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

$90K - $108K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance aerospace testing processes through innovative design and maintenance of test systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure reliability and efficiency in equipment...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $108K *

Elevate aerospace testing capabilities by designing, maintaining, and optimizing test systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in complex mechanical and electronic system...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Elevate testing excellence by joining our dynamic QA team to enhance automation strategies. Collaborate with experts to streamline processes, optimize frameworks, and drive quality projects to new hei...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $195K *

Empower your career with a role that encompasses test automation design, development, and implementation, collaborating within an agile team to deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic environment...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Join our team to ensure software and instruments work seamlessly together. You'll lead testing from integration to release, collaborate with developers, and drive automation efforts, all while contrib...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Join our innovative team as you enhance automated testing for critical government systems, collaborating across functions to ensure quality and efficiency in digital transformation projects with signi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $250K *

Lead the charge in building cloud-native software solutions and infrastructure, ensuring quality design and scalability while mentoring engineers and driving technical strategies across teams...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $159K *

Unlock the potential of automation and AI in software development. Join a dynamic team to create self-service platforms and intelligent tools that enhance developer experience, streamline workflows, a...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $110K *

Lead the analysis and evaluation of complex Missile Defense Systems, utilizing model-based engineering approaches to assess performance and support data reviews. Collaborate with a distributed team to...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing automotive software quality through rigorous testing and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust software performance and contrib...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining cloud infrastructure by designing and operating EC2 control-plane services in secure, air-gapped environments. Drive innovation and quality while collaborating with engin...

6 days ago

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

$113K - $160K *

Shape the quality of a global ecommerce platform by owning frontend testing, developing automation strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and ensure h...

Today

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

$68K - $161K *

Lead the charge in ensuring high-quality delivery through robust test automation and data validation. Collaborate with stakeholders to validate complex data flows and enhance digital marketing platfor...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Engineer robust software for cutting-edge machine learning servers, optimizing initialization and monitoring. Collaborate with hardware teams, enabling seamless integration and rapid deployment while...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$171K - $286K *

Lead and develop a high-performing software engineering team focused on innovative communications features. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and deliver robust so...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 days ago

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

$118K - $162K *

Transform quality engineering by leading the design of scalable UI test frameworks, ensuring top-notch functional correctness and accessibility across frontend releases. Collaborate with teams to elev...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $238K *

Elevate cloud infrastructure by joining a dynamic team focused on building next-gen platforms. Collaborate with engineers to enhance processes, drive best practices, and support developers in deliveri...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$176K - $262K *

Join a dynamic Cloud Platform team to enhance core infrastructure, enabling diverse workloads. Collaborate with engineers to drive innovation, improve processes, and support developers in building nex...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Drive the QA function for integrating multiple products, collaborating with teams to create and execute test plans, develop automation agents, and enhance lab environments for optimal product validati...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.