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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$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

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of aerospace testing by leading the design and execution of advanced electrical and environmental test solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in product validation and product...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing defense capabilities through software integration. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to solve complex challenges and ensure mission-critical systems...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $194K *

Innovate and drive the design and development of high-performance ad-serving systems, optimizing real-time flows and enhancing reliability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver im...

3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to design, build, and optimize backend services, leveraging AI for automation. Take ownership of systems end-to-end, enhancing operational excellence and developer productivity acr...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and execution of automated tests for integration and performance, ensuring quality and reliability in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testin...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on cutting-edge missile defense technologies. Engage in software testing and integration, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure system requirements are...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives by leading complex testing strategies, enhancing test practices, and ensuring release readiness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify risks and impro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of software quality by designing and executing automated tests, ensuring robust integration and performance validation for critical systems, while collaborating with cross-functional...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$184K - $250K *

Join us to innovate and develop cutting-edge cloud-based contact center solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create scalable systems that enhance customer experiences and drive impactful resu...

2 days ago

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

$158K - $193K *

Lead and mentor a dynamic team of engineers in developing top-tier firmware for tape libraries, ensuring quality and efficiency while driving innovation and collaboration across departments...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion quality across complex product areas, driving test automation and engineering excellence. Collaborate with teams to identify risks, investigate issues, and enhance testing strategies througho...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $140K *

Join a team that's developing and maintaining C++ test harnesses for embedded systems, focusing on FPGA tests and low-level device testing while ensuring high-quality software delivery and automation...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K *

Elevate quality assurance processes by validating data migration and system integration, ensuring seamless functionality and performance in a dynamic Agile environment. Collaborate closely with client...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$143K - $194K *

Transform software development by designing, implementing, and testing robust applications. Collaborate throughout the development cycle, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high-quality documentation...

3 weeks ago

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

$160K - $171K *

Unlock your potential as you design, develop, and sustain innovative software solutions for government systems, utilizing modern methodologies and collaborating with a dynamic team to enhance operatio...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $171K *

Drive the charge in software engineering to design, develop, and sustain innovative solutions for government systems, ensuring robust performance and security throughout the software development lifec...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$199K - $235K *

Empower security excellence by leading the design and implementation of advanced identity and access control systems for high-performance computing environments, ensuring compliance with security poli...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $235K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing security in high-performance computing environments. Lead the design and implementation of access control systems, ensuring compliance with security policies...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $138K *

Contribute to the full lifecycle of software design and development, delivering innovative enterprise solutions for diverse industries. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quali...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower a team of engineers by leading development, managing delivery, and driving process improvements. Collaborate across departments to ensure quality releases while maintaining a hands-on technica...

Alberta, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$203K - $275K *

Lead the charge in managing a dynamic team of engineers, driving technical direction and operational excellence for AWS SDKs. Foster a culture of growth and innovation while balancing feature developm...

3 weeks ago

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

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.