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.
$175K - $340K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative software solutions for complex systems. Collaborate with engineers to enhance software performance and ensure quality across diverse projects, whi...
Today
$175K - $340K *
Empower your career by developing complex software systems that enhance customer operations. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement innovative solutions in a dyn...
1 week ago
$110K - $140K *
Join a team that's transforming counter transactions through innovative software solutions. Lead the design and delivery of critical platform components, ensuring seamless integration and high perform...
2 weeks ago
$195K - $250K *
Innovate in healthcare by leading the development of scalable billing solutions that enhance customer experiences and streamline workflows, while owning features and participating in end-to-end softwa...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$195K - $250K *
Transform healthcare by leading development in billing systems, focusing on scalable solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience through innovative software engin...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Army Rapid Capabilities
$140K - $156K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software solutions for Army evaluation technologies. Contribute to high-impact projects that enhance efficiency and accelerate capabilities for soldiers throug...
Yesterday
Sr Software Test Engineer - Future Forward Team
$130K - $155K *
Lead the verification lifecycle for advanced robotic surgical systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and manage comprehensive testing strategies that ensure software re...
3 weeks ago
$175K - $340K *
Join a team that's developing innovative software solutions to enhance customer operations. Collaborate on complex systems, analyze requirements, and ensure quality through testing and debugging while...
1 week ago
Deployment Engineer (Tuesday-Saturday workweek)
$80K - $95K *
Explore a key role in our team as you manage and optimize software deployments, ensuring seamless integration and functionality of critical financial applications for our clients while collaborating w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Deployment Engineer (Tuesday-Saturday workweek)
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as a Deployment Engineer, responsible for executing software deployments, enhancing CI/CD pipelines, and collaborating with diverse teams for optimal performance in a fast-paced...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Python / Capital Markets
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in developing scalable applications and data solutions for Capital Markets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize enterprise applications using Python, SQL, and AWS, ens...
Yesterday
QA Automation Engineer - Object Storage
$110K - $150K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing automated test strategies for complex object storage systems, ensuring reliability and performance through innovative testing methodologies and collaborat...
1 week ago
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $300K *
Transform the future of cloud-native applications by designing and developing scalable web solutions. Leverage your expertise in full stack development and cloud technologies to drive innovation and o...
1 week ago
$112K - $159K *
Contribute to the design and development of systems for human-rated space stations. Manage testing processes, collaborate with teams, and enhance test efficiency while troubleshooting hardware for ope...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Embedded Software Test Engineer, Onboard Test Automation
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of autonomous vehicles by validating onboard software systems. As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you'll enhance software quality through automated testing, collaborating across...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Elevate your career by developing and executing test solutions for advanced electronic warfare systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance test coverage and troubleshoot complex RF/microwave c...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by developing and executing test solutions for advanced electronic warfare systems, focusing on integration, debugging, and enhancing test coverage from component to system level...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing military systems through comprehensive testing and engineering. Lead test activities, develop strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensu...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer II, AWS Healthcare AI
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of healthcare AI by developing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance cloud-based applications, driving improvements in healthcare outcomes and oper...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Data Platform
$113K - $191K *
Innovate by designing and operating scalable data infrastructure for petabytes of data, enabling customer-facing features and analytics across global industries, while enhancing systems for reliabilit...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Engine Systems
$168K - $212K *
Advance the future of gaming by building core diagnostic systems that enhance performance and reliability across platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience for millions of players worldwide...
3 weeks ago
Test & Instrumentation Development Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of testing by architecting and deploying innovative measurement systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive test strategies for next-gen products in...
1 week ago
Software Engineer (Compute Test, North Reading)
$132K - $212K *
Transform software solutions by developing high-performance applications for Automatic Test Equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and scalability while driving innovativ...
Reposted 3 days ago
Software Engineer (Compute Test, North Reading)
$132K - $212K *
Elevate your career by developing high-performance software solutions for Automatic Test Equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into scalable applications while...
Reposted 3 days ago
$130K - $150K *
Take ownership of hardware testing processes to ensure quality and reliability of embedded systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and improve test plans while utilizing a...
2 days 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.