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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$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in ensuring top-tier quality for critical payment systems, focusing on Electronic Funds Transfer and Real-Time Rail ecosystems. Drive automation, validation, and compliance across dive...

North York, ONIn-Person

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Champion the development of scalable simulation infrastructure, automating electrical, thermal, and electromagnetic simulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and exp...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$117K - $211K *

Elevate the fan experience by developing automated test frameworks for consent management across digital platforms, ensuring quality and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$105K - $135K *

Develop software that transforms complex 3D CAD geometry into validated manufacturing outputs, enhancing production efficiency in electric aviation. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to autom...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K *

Develop and maintain applications that integrate engineering systems with campus data sources, ensuring high-quality data access for operational workflows and collaborating with teams to enhance softw...

1 week ago

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

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to optimize advanced SoC devices for AI compute and inference. Collaborate across silicon, software, and customer programs to tackle complex semiconductor test challenges in a hand...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Advance technical excellence by leading software solutions, establishing architecture standards, and mentoring teams to enhance ownership and problem-solving skills, ensuring scalable and maintainable...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $175K *

Join us to develop scalable full-stack applications using React, TypeScript, and Java. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and contribute to best practices in a cloud-native microservi...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Explore the forefront of AI infrastructure as you design and maintain scalable Kubernetes services. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability and automation, driving innovation in GPU-accelerate...

2 weeks ago

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

$145K - $175K *

Drive the development of scalable Kubernetes infrastructure, enhancing automation and reliability for AI workloads. Collaborate across teams to build resilient systems that support mission-critical ap...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer the future of AI infrastructure by designing and building scalable Kubernetes solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and automation, driving innovation in GP...

2 weeks ago

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

$189K - $231K *

Innovate and shape the future of AI platforms as a Senior Engineer, designing and building critical subsystems for enterprise Kubernetes environments. Collaborate with customers and mentor engineers t...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $210K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Software Engineer, driving AI integration and hands-on coding. Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful products while mentoring peers and owning outcome...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $160K *

Empower our Managed Services tooling ecosystem by designing integrations and automations. You'll lead the configuration of Jira Service Management, optimize alerting, and ensure seamless connectivity...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive quality assurance by designing and executing automated tests, enhancing software reliability through robust frameworks and CI/CD integration in a cloud environment, while collaborating with cros...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform software development by prototyping across embedded, full stack, and autonomy domains. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring rapid transition from concept to produ...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Deliver high-impact software solutions by leading design and implementation efforts. Collaborate with teams to enforce best practices, mentor engineers, and drive technical direction while ensuring sc...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $160K *

Elevate your career as a Staff Software Engineer, leading full-stack development in a dynamic team. Design, build, and support healthcare applications while ensuring data security and compliance in a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$143K - $194K *

Transform cloud security by designing and building scalable systems that enhance threat detection and customer experience. Engage in a hands-on engineering role that directly impacts millions of AWS u...

Reposted today

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and maintain software for manufacturing test systems, ensuring quality and efficiency in hardware testing. Collaborate with engineers to automate processes and troublesh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Execute comprehensive test and evaluation strategies to assess system performance and operational effectiveness, ensuring alignment with acquisition plans and government standards. Collaborate across...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$149K - $195K *

Explore a role where you'll oversee integration solutions, optimize SaaS tools, and develop automation workflows to enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive technical ex...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$124K - $195K *

Transform systems integration by designing and maintaining APIs, automating workflows, and optimizing SaaS tools. Collaborate across teams to streamline processes and provide technical support for com...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $227K *

Innovate high-quality software solutions for Amazon S3, managing vast data storage and retrieval systems. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness whil...

Today

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

$110K - $130K *

Elevate software quality by testing Link 16 applications, integrating automated procedures, and documenting processes. Collaborate with architects to enhance testing frameworks and adapt to dynamic pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.