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.
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.
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.
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.
Software Development Engineer, Region Flexibility Engineering
$114K - $191K *
Transform the future of software development by designing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and scalability across Amazon's global infrastructure, impacting thousands of services and teams...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Customer Service
$143K - $194K *
Drive the development of innovative AI-driven customer service solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance technology and design. Lead the global expansion of services, ensuring hi...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $110K *
Transform software quality by leading testing initiatives, collaborating with teams, and ensuring robust defect resolution. Drive continuous improvement in methodologies while engaging stakeholders fo...
1 week ago
Software Dev Engineer, Amazon Security, ASCOT Engineering
$143K - $194K *
Champion the design and development of scalable, secure systems on AWS, driving architectural decisions and collaborating across teams to deliver innovative security solutions that enhance customer tr...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager, Data Center Automation Services
$184K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of industrial automation software. Lead and mentor engineers to build high-performing applications for mission-critical data center operations, driving innovation...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer in Test - SDET
$90K - $110K *
Create impactful automated and manual tests, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and drive continuous improvement in an agile environment. Unlock your potential by le...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test: IT Quality Assurance, Journey
$85K - $115K *
Champion quality assurance by developing and executing test plans, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable application performance and enhance user experience in a flexible, hybri...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer, Product Knowledge Store
$143K - $194K *
Engineer innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to design and build scalable technologies that enhance product knowledge and customer experience...
Yesterday
SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) with Strong API Testing
$70K - $93K *
Elevate software quality by designing and implementing robust automation frameworks for web applications and APIs, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams and delivering high-quality cloud-native...
1 week ago
SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) with Strong API Testing
$70K - $93K *
Elevate software quality by designing and implementing robust automation frameworks for web applications and APIs, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams to deliver high-quality cloud-native sol...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer , Amazon Foundational Security Services (AFSS)
$120K - $145K *
Champion the design and development of a next-gen Authentication Management System, collaborating with leadership to drive engineering decisions and enhance the developer experience across multiple pr...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test - Platform System Validation
$130K - $155K *
Pioneer a comprehensive testing strategy for SoCs and products, focusing on firmware and bootloader technologies. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance test automation and quality metrics, ensurin...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Customer Experience Improvement - Defect Enrichment
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovative solutions that enhance customer experience by developing scalable systems and tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and ensure operational excell...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Robotics
$168K - $227K *
Advance your career by leading the design and development of cutting-edge robotics software. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to create reliable, real-time systems that enhance automation and...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Robotics
$168K - $227K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge robotics software, collaborating with scientists and engineers to design, prototype, and deploy real-time systems that enhance automation and human-robot int...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer in Test - AI Platform
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation by optimizing software performance and collaborating with top engineers. Engage in cutting-edge technology development and enhance key applications while fostering effective communica...
Yesterday
Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
$98K - $206K *
Champion quality assurance by designing and executing test plans, collaborating with developers, and enhancing testing processes to ensure system reliability and performance across manual and automate...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
$98K - $206K *
Transform the quality of mission-critical systems by designing and developing automated testing solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-performance RF applications meet rigo...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer II - AMZ27165.1
$143K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative software solutions, driving the full development cycle from concept to delivery. Collaborate with peers and mentor junior engineers to enhance syst...
Today
System Development Engineer II, Amazon Foundational Security Services
$129K - $174K *
Transform critical systems by engineering resilient solutions that enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve quality. Collaborate across teams to tackle complex challenges and drive operational e...
2 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test (Python)
$62K - $112K *
Transform the software testing landscape by defining strategies, automating processes, and ensuring quality throughout the SDLC. Collaborate with teams to enhance deployment practices and troubleshoot...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer in Test (Python)
$62K - $112K *
Transform the software development lifecycle by defining test strategies, automating processes, and ensuring quality through innovative testing frameworks and collaboration with engineering teams...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer in Test
$120K - $140K *
Champion the development and execution of comprehensive software testing strategies, ensuring quality and reliability across diverse applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive auto...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Marketplace
$143K - $194K *
Champion innovation by driving software development for complex systems, influencing product strategy, and enhancing user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality f...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II, Project Dawn
$143K - $194K *
Join us to design and deliver innovative systems using deep learning and generative AI. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to enhance customer experiences at scale, driving technical decisions...
2 weeks ago
What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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.