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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$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by designing and deploying comprehensive test solutions for next-generation products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop methodologies and instrumentation for system c...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$86K - $123K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative embedded security solutions, collaborating with diverse experts to design, code, and test custom software. Drive projects from concept to implementation while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $144K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in radar testing and calibration. As a Senior Test Engineer, you'll enhance production reliability, develop automated test solutions, and collaborate across teams...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to the development and maintenance of advanced defense systems. Collaborate with a skilled team using agile methodologies to deliver high-quality software solutions that ensure operational...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$112K - $135K *

Unlock potential by leading the migration of complex data systems, ensuring data integrity and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize technology stacks and optimize data proces...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of enterprise software by developing innovative web applications using .Net, Angular, and SQL technologies. Collaborate with a close-knit group of experts to enha...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $240K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance complex software systems, focusing on analytics, algorithms, and large data sets. Collaborate on innovative solutions while ensuring adherence to design requ...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $240K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative software solutions that enhance performance and security. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment to tackle complex challenges and deliver high-quality t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead technical innovation and architecture for AI/ML-driven software systems, guiding teams in developing robust solutions, while fostering a strong engineering culture in a rapidly evolving environme...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Shape the future of AI-driven legal content tools by leading API design, ensuring accuracy, and enhancing developer experience. Drive cross-team initiatives and establish best practices in a high-impa...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Drive the integration and validation of advanced electronic test systems for semiconductor characterization, collaborating with diverse engineering teams to enhance product performance and ensure qual...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $194K *

Drive innovation by designing and developing robust software solutions that enhance global receivables, leveraging AWS technologies and best practices to improve customer experience and operational ef...

3 days ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative software solutions. Engage in the full development cycle, from implementation to maintenance, while mentoring junior engineers and enhancing system...

2 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation in software engineering by leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop secure, efficient solutions that meet complex program...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate our software engineering capabilities by leveraging your expertise in Linux, Python, and automation. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop secure, scalable solutions for complex systems w...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to ensure high-quality software delivery through effective testing, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. Contribute to Agile processes and enhance product quality by deve...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement robust testing strategies, ensuring software quality through automation and manual testing. Collaborate with engineers to enhance product reliability and fo...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $150K *

Contribute to innovative software solutions in a team-driven environment, spanning design, coding, testing, and deployment across various aerospace simulations and mission systems. Collaborate with ex...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $120K *

Join us to lead a dynamic software engineering team, driving innovation in fleet management technology. You'll mentor developers, oversee the software delivery lifecycle, and contribute hands-on to co...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Help us drive innovation as a Senior Applications Engineer, providing technical leadership and support for semiconductor test systems. Collaborate with customers to deliver tailored solutions and ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $230K *

Drive the evolution of developer infrastructure by designing scalable testing environments that enhance software delivery speed and quality, enabling engineers to validate changes efficiently and inte...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $230K *

Drive the development of robust infrastructure for testing environments, enabling engineers to validate software changes efficiently. Collaborate with teams to enhance development velocity and ensure...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $285K *

Optimize high-performance software through architectural design and coding excellence. Lead technical initiatives, troubleshoot complex issues, and collaborate with teams to create scalable, resilient...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$165K - $223K *

Lead the charge in designing and developing innovative software services for network configuration and management, driving efficiency and scalability in a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on...

4 weeks ago

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

$138K - $165K *

Lead the charge in enhancing developer productivity and satisfaction by driving technical strategy and implementing AI-driven solutions. Collaborate across teams to streamline workflows and mentor eng...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.