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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$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing high-quality backend software solutions while mentoring junior developers and collaborating across teams. Drive project success through design, implementation, and mainte...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Elevate mission operations by ensuring system performance and reliability. Support software integration, automation, and monitoring in Linux environments while troubleshooting and resolving issues to...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mission operations through automation and monitoring. Contribute your expertise in Linux environments to ensure system resiliency and support critical workloa...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $145K *

Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of query engines and table formats through performance optimization and deep contributions to open-source communities. Collaborate on innovative solutions driving...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Drive innovative solutions by designing next-gen analytics technologies with a focus on performance and reliability. Collaborate end-to-end in the software development process while tackling complex d...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Lead system administration efforts with a focus on Linux environments, utilizing automation tools and scripting languages to enhance operational efficiency and support complex systems. Collaborate wit...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in Linux systems and automation tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance system performance and streamline operations while ensuring s...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the design and execution of performance testing strategies to ensure software applications meet scalability and usability standards. Collaborate with development teams to identify bottlenecks and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate finance technology by owning end-to-end solutions in a dynamic team. Collaborate directly with finance professionals to innovate and streamline accounting processes, leveraging AI and backend...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential by developing innovative software solutions using C#, .NET, and Azure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance business operations and drive technology initiatives tha...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$161K - $258K *

Partner with us to design and enhance software for complex test systems, collaborating globally to solve intricate engineering challenges while ensuring high-quality performance and reliability...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation as you build and ship full-stack applications, owning features across sprints. Collaborate in an Agile environment, leveraging modern technologies to create scalable, resilient system...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$171K - $190K *

Join our team to develop and maintain scalable data infrastructure, optimize performance, and enhance operational reliability as a Software Engineer, collaborating closely across teams to power high-d...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$161K - $258K *

Transform complex systems by designing and extending software for a large test system. Collaborate globally with engineers to solve challenges in capital equipment and factory information systems, whi...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$222K - $334K *

Accelerate innovation by leading a dynamic team to architect and enhance a cutting-edge Data Cloud platform, focusing on distributed data processing and high-performance algorithms to deliver exceptio...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$222K - $334K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team to architect and enhance cutting-edge data processing solutions. Drive innovation in distributed systems while ensuring performance, scalability, and reli...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive system improvements and enhance applications by identifying opportunities, implementing innovative designs, and maintaining quality code while collaborating with teams to leverage new technologi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative quality automation initiatives by defining strategies, building scalable frameworks, and integrating AI capabilities to enhance software quality and operational efficiency across diver...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by designing and implementing software solutions in a collaborative environment, tackling complex challenges and enhancing functionality within dynamic projects for clients while en...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $130K *

Transform dynamic projects into innovative solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining software across front-end and back-end systems. Collaborate with teams while adhering to best practices t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $145K *

Drive the future of test automation by designing and implementing solutions that convert manual processes into efficient automated systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance softwar...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $120K *

Elevate your career by transitioning into AI engineering with our intensive training program. Join a fast-growing field, work with top clients, and earn competitive salaries while developing your skil...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of quality assurance for features, ensuring robust testing and collaboration across teams. Drive risk-based planning, automation, and continuous delivery in a fast-paced environment, su...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Drive excellence in quality engineering by leading a skilled team to evaluate system performance, set testing strategies, and provide actionable insights for product readiness across innovative hardwa...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.