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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$186K - $220K *

Elevate your career by supporting cutting-edge SaaS solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with clients, enhance containerized applications, and drive innovation within a Kubernetes cluster t...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$186K - $220K *

Drive the enhancement of containerized applications within a Kubernetes environment, collaborating with customers to deliver innovative software solutions and ensure seamless operation of mission-crit...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$156K - $235K *

Lead the charge in architecting enterprise-scale AI platforms that elevate quality engineering through intelligent automation and internal tools, defining strategy and driving cross-functional collabo...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$154K - $200K *

Lead and inspire a software development team to design, implement, and support critical applications and systems, ensuring operational excellence and driving innovation in manufacturing technologies a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $207K *

Join our innovative Software Engineering team to design, implement, and deploy high-performance software for automatic test equipment. Collaborate across functions, tackle complex challenges, and cont...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $207K *

Advance software solutions by leveraging your 5+ years of engineering experience, designing, testing, and implementing scalable applications, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $170K *

Partner with us to develop scalable software systems that enhance engineering and manufacturing workflows, enabling seamless data flow and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams in a d...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Help us ensure quality and compliance in modernizing a critical government system. As a Senior Software Test Engineer, you'll lead UI testing, backend debugging, and collaborate with cross-functional...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Optimize software quality as a Senior Software Test Engineer, focusing on UI testing and backend debugging. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance user experience in...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform quality assurance processes by developing test plans and executing UI and backend testing for critical government systems, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity and accessibility standards...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $235K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense technology by developing robust software solutions. Leverage your expertise in Java, microservices, and container orchestration to enhance critical int...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $235K *

Innovate and lead software development for critical defense applications, utilizing modern technologies like Java, Spring Boot, and Kubernetes. Collaborate on complex system integrations to enhance mi...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $193K *

Champion impactful digital messaging by leading a dynamic team to enhance our outbound communication infrastructure, integrating third-party platforms and ensuring compliance while driving innovation...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Drive excellence in systems testing by evaluating operational capabilities, managing projects, and analyzing performance to support mission success. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance GEOINT s...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $225K *

Innovate and optimize the transaction platform, enhancing delivery estimates and building reliable, scalable services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate transaction experiences while...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $225K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of data infrastructure by designing and maintaining large-scale systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success and tackle complex techn...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$70K - $100K *

Engage in the development of automated testing frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of business systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create effective test strategies and dri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$193K - $261K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative UEFI/BIOS solutions for cutting-edge server platforms, ensuring high performance and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize firmware for...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join us to design and operate high-availability authentication services, driving operational excellence and leveraging AI tools. Collaborate with teams to solve complex problems and enhance user exper...

2 weeks ago

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

$184K - $276K *

Lead the charge in building secure foundations for AI agents, guiding a talented engineering team to enhance agent trust and security. Shape authentication and authorization processes while collaborat...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$209K - $314K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to establish robust security foundations for AI agents, ensuring trust and verification across Workday's agent registry while driving innovation...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $116K *

Advance your career by leading software testing initiatives for critical healthcare applications in a MUMPS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in leg...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Drive your career forward by leading software testing initiatives for critical healthcare applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in a dynamic, remote en...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Accelerate healthcare innovation by leading software testing efforts for mission-critical applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in a dynamic, remote en...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Lead the charge in enhancing healthcare software quality through rigorous testing and validation in a MUMPS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integrity and support...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.