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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$95K - $115K *

Optimize testing methodologies for hardware-in-the-loop systems, ensuring robust test plans and execution. Collaborate with engineers to enhance automation and reporting, driving quality and efficienc...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by developing and enhancing enterprise applications using C#, .NET, and modern technologies. Collaborate in a dynamic team to build cloud-based solutions while modernizing legacy syst...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $150K *

Lead and mentor a team of SDETs to enhance automated testing for Unreal Engine, driving quality assurance initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence in software engineering practices across the...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$155K - $258K *

Lead and mentor a team of SDETs to enhance automated testing for Unreal Engine. Drive quality initiatives, develop frameworks, and ensure robust test coverage while collaborating with engineering lead...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$129K - $174K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative cloud solutions for U.S. Intelligence agencies. Collaborate with teams to automate systems, troubleshoot issues, and enhance network tools, ensuring operational...

6 days ago

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

$200K - $265K *

Join a team that's redefining aircraft systems integration through innovative software solutions. You'll develop and maintain real-time I/O software, collaborating across disciplines to enhance testin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $190K *

Lead the charge in designing and developing complex software systems, ensuring performance and functionality meet user requirements while collaborating with engineers and users to deliver innovative s...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Analyze user requirements and design robust software solutions. Drive development and maintenance of complex systems, ensuring performance standards are met while mentoring teams and integrating softw...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Transform complex software systems through innovative development and maintenance. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics, algorithms, and real-time systems while ensuring adherence to design req...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative cloud-based software solutions while collaborating closely with teams to enhance user experiences and drive technical direction. Lead complex projects and mentor junior developers...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $160K *

Empower innovation by leading complex test activities, ensuring product verification through functional, integration, and acceptance testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve technical issues...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$199K - $235K *

Join us to bridge gaps between developers, sysadmins, and stakeholders by designing and automating custom solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency across enterprise systems...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $235K *

Unlock your potential in a pivotal role connecting developers, sysadmins, and mission customers. Design, build, and maintain plugins, automate workflows, and enhance efficiency across complex environm...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Pioneer your career by embedding within customer teams to design, build, and deploy AI-powered systems. Drive impactful solutions through the full software lifecycle while mentoring others and enhanci...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Transform the future of networking by collaborating with engineers to design, develop, and deploy innovative solutions on AWS, enhancing broadband systems and ensuring optimal performance across globa...

3 weeks ago

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

$184K - $258K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable software solutions that enhance marketplace infrastructure, driving technical direction and team growth while ensuring high-quality, reliable services for travel...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$140K - $190K *

Architect and drive the development of a cloud-native data enrichment service, ensuring performance and scalability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices while mentoring...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of SaaS architecture. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll design scalable solutions, mentor peers, and enhance developer experience, driving impactful modernizat...

CanadaRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $135K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative applications using Microsoft technologies. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, design solutions, and provide production support while ensuri...

1 week ago

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

$155K - $233K *

Shape the future of our infrastructure by architecting and building a hybrid Kubernetes platform. Lead hands-on initiatives across AWS, ensuring reliability and efficiency while collaborating with cro...

Washington, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Take ownership of developing innovative software solutions, leveraging new technologies and processes. Collaborate closely with customers to create high-quality applications while adapting to evolving...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$180K - $210K *

Empower the Signals platform by leading security testing and AI-driven automation. You'll close gaps in vendor engagement and establish a robust foundation for future growth, ensuring security and eff...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Unlock innovative AI solutions in logistics by developing intelligent systems that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making for carriers, while collaborating with a dynamic team of software...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $120K *

Join a team that's developing innovative software solutions for advanced weapon systems. Collaborate within an Agile environment, tackling complex challenges while supporting critical military operati...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$68K - $131K *

Contribute to a dynamic engineering team by configuring and maintaining software development environments, enhancing cloud technologies, and participating in agile processes to drive innovation and co...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.