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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$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

$180K - $225K *

Architect and enhance robust dataplane services for a global Zero Trust platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance cloud solutions, leveraging deep networking expert...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Tackle complex system administration tasks while leveraging your expertise in Linux and automation tools. Collaborate with teams to enhance monitoring and metrics, ensuring optimal performance and rel...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $153K *

Join a dynamic team as a Fullstack Software Engineer, driving innovative solutions by building REST APIs and customer-facing components. Collaborate remotely within Canada to enhance engineering proce...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$162K - $387K *

Optimize data center network management solutions through innovative software development and automation, enhancing efficiency and stability for high-demand applications utilized by hundreds of millio...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $207K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of software delivery by designing and operating CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate across teams to enhance developer efficiency, streamline workflows, and ensure quality...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $207K *

Elevate software delivery by designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, enhancing team efficiency, and integrating automation practices across multiple platforms and teams to ensure consistent and rel...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by harnessing cutting-edge technology and methodologies to design, develop, and test high-performance software solutions for government clients, while leading diverse teams and opt...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $245K *

Drive innovation by leading the development of full-stack applications that enhance product data management and integration across the product lifecycle, while mentoring engineers and ensuring high st...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$187K - $201K *

Partner with us to design, implement, and support automated solutions enhancing fleet operations. Lead troubleshooting efforts, mentor engineers, and optimize corporate infrastructure for improved eff...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Empower engineering teams by building robust test automation solutions that enhance productivity. Design and own comprehensive frameworks that streamline workflows, and collaborate with product teams...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$112K - $137K *

Empower quality assurance in software development by designing and executing test plans, automating processes, and collaborating with teams to enhance product reliability and performance across divers...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $227K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions for satellite systems, focusing on phased array antennas. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to enhance testing frameworks and streamline...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Innovate AI-driven automation across the software development lifecycle, enhancing build, CI, testing, and release processes. Collaborate with engineers to establish foundational tools and methodologi...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $155K *

Accelerate your career by developing and modernizing applications using AI coding agents. Collaborate with teams to enhance software quality and maintainability while driving innovation in complex env...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $157K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic testing team to enhance automation practices. Drive quality outcomes and mentor testers while shaping the automation strategy for our claims platform. Collaborate...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$154K - $209K *

Optimize data solutions and drive impactful analytics by developing automated ETL pipelines and enhancing data infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to democratize data access and support critical bu...

2 days ago

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

$81K - $90K *

Innovate automated testing by designing and maintaining scripts with Playwright. Collaborate with teams to enhance testing efficiency and integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring high-quali...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join our dynamic team as you manage complex software engineering projects, leveraging your expertise in Python, Java, and automation tools to drive innovation and enhance system efficiency...

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$81K - $90K *

Empower development success by crafting innovative automation solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and efficiency in a dynamic environment...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K *

Contribute to innovative data storage solutions as a Software Engineering Intern, collaborating with experienced engineers to develop and enhance core product features using C, Rust, and Python while...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.