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 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
$93K - $100K *
Join a team that's advancing automated testing capabilities in a dynamic environment. Collaborate within an agile team to transform concepts into practical designs, ensuring high-quality software solu...
4 days ago
Software Integration Engineer Skill Level 3 (SIE3) - 539
$186K - $220K *
Drive mission success by integrating software solutions and managing operational requests. Collaborate with teams to ensure system reliability through hands-on Linux administration, automation, and da...
2 days ago
Software Integration Engineer Skill Level 3 (SIE3) - 539
$186K - $220K *
Manage complex technical requirements and operational requests while ensuring system reliability through hands-on Linux administration, software integration, and automation. Collaborate with mission c...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance. You'll drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime for missio...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our team to enhance system reliability and performance through automation, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal user experience. Collaborate with engineers to implement innovative solutions and...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform operational excellence by enhancing system reliability and automating processes. Drive continuous improvements in cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and performance while minim...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize operational excellence by enhancing system reliability and automating processes. Leverage your expertise in AWS and cloud technologies to ensure high availability and performance of mission-c...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by ensuring high availability and performance of critical systems. Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating with teams to enhance operational effici...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence by enhancing system reliability and automation. Drive continuous improvements in cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and performance while minimizing manua...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance through automation and continuous improvement. Drive operational excellence by minimizing manual interventions and ensuring...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate operational excellence by ensuring system reliability and performance. Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and minimize manual intervention in a...
2 days ago
Software Engineer - Special Projects and Innovation
$99K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining innovation in software engineering for critical facilities. You'll design and deliver cutting-edge applications and data solutions, driving projects from concept to deplo...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems by owning ECU-level requirements, managing supplier relations, and ensuring validation execution for high-quality control systems across diverse...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer - R01563671
$110K - $130K *
Optimize mobile testing strategies by leading the development of automated frameworks. Drive innovation through expertise in mobile app automation while collaborating effectively in an Agile environme...
Reposted 6 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer, EC2 VPC
$168K - $227K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the design and implementation of a new EC2 service, focusing on software-defined networking for machine learning and HPC platforms. Collaborate and mentor while delivering...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$119K - $145K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and developing high-volume software applications in an Agile environment, solving complex engineering challenges to enhance healthcare information systems and...
2 weeks ago
$171K - $190K *
Transform the way teams collaborate by developing scalable AI-driven solutions that enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Join a dynamic team focused on delivering impactful features for a le...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Digital Engineering
$160K - $225K *
Empower innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, driving full-stack development of in-house applications that enhance product and operations data management. Collaborate closely with users to create...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Digital Engineering
$155K - $215K *
Drive the development of full-stack applications that enhance product and operations data management. Collaborate closely with users to create software solutions that improve workflows while ensuring...
3 weeks ago
$119K - $145K *
Architect robust software solutions in an Agile environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance healthcare applications that process millions of transactions daily, ensuring quality...
3 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.