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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$184K - $250K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team of engineers, setting technical direction, and driving the roadmap for innovative AWS SDKs while fostering a culture of growth and excellence...

3 weeks ago

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

$165K - $248K *

Innovate AI-driven engineering solutions to enhance developer productivity and software quality. Lead the design and integration of AI agents across the SDLC, ensuring scalable and secure workflows th...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $248K *

Pioneer innovative AI-driven solutions to enhance software development workflows, integrating advanced technologies to boost productivity and quality across engineering teams. Collaborate with cross-f...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $100K *

Champion customer success by diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues, enhancing support efficiency through internal tools, and collaborating with teams to deliver exceptional service and dri...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Explore your potential as you contribute to innovative cloud-native solutions, collaborating with engineers and data scientists to enhance insights and build scalable services. This role offers growth...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Drive the development of robust log processing systems for real-time data observability, ensuring high throughput and low latency while optimizing performance. Take ownership of storage, indexing, and...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to build innovative log ingestion and processing systems. You'll drive performance, reliability, and scalability in high-throughput, low-latency environments, enabling real-time ob...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $220K *

Drive operational excellence by leading a team of automation engineers to enhance equipment reliability and troubleshoot complex control systems, ensuring swift and accurate order fulfillment through...

Yesterday

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

$57K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing HPC lab operations, ensuring infrastructure and test systems are compliant and efficient. Collaborate globally to support complex system validations and enhance the deliv...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate the AI software optimization strategy, ensuring peak performance for demanding workloads. Collaborate across teams and engage with customers to drive innovative solutions and influence future...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team of Android Developers tackling complex challenges across diverse devices and industries, while contributing to innovative enterprise mobility solutions th...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$112K - $137K *

Grow by designing and executing tests that ensure robust performance and compliance. Collaborate on innovative mechanical systems while transforming raw data into insights that drive engineering excel...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $120K *

Drive quality assurance and testing for electrical systems, troubleshoot failures, and support custom hardware integrations. Collaborate with design teams to enhance product reliability while growing...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178 and DO-254 standards. Collaborate with engineers and certification authorities to enhance software quali...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$133K - $181K *

Lead and manage deployment phases for multiple programs, collaborating with vendors and customers. Drive testing efforts to enhance productivity and quality while diversifying the vendor portfolio for...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $100K *

Transform quality assurance by designing and implementing robust testing frameworks. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance reliability and performance, ensuring seamless delivery of high-quali...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Innovate automated test systems for automotive and industrial controls, focusing on HIL and EoL setups. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust testing and verification, enhancing product reli...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$94K - $157K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Software Developer, designing and integrating critical applications for national security. Collaborate cross-functionally while leveraging your expertise in software...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Software Developer, collaborating with teams to design, develop, and enhance cloud applications. Drive innovation while mentoring others and ensuring system security...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$113K - $154K *

Join a team that's redefining software testing by establishing an automated framework, enhancing quality assurance, and collaborating closely with developers to improve testing practices in a classifi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Contribute to the development of scalable, distributed systems while solving complex challenges in data ingestion and search infrastructure. Collaborate with a high-performing team to design and deplo...

2 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that tackles complex challenges in distributed systems, focusing on innovative solutions to enhance cloud-native applications. Collaborate on diverse projects while expanding your technica...

1 month ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Invent scalable, fault-tolerant cloud-native systems while solving complex challenges in distributed data management, ensuring high reliability and performance across services for a global audience...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$157K - $225K *

Transform the future of Identity Management by designing enterprise-grade solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and mentor junior engineers while fostering a positive...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $225K *

Innovate with us as you enhance datapath technology, driving impactful software solutions. Collaborate across teams, mentor junior engineers, and tackle complex challenges to deliver high-performance...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.