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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$143K - $194K *

Engineer innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing robust applications. Collaborate throughout the development cycle to deliver high-quality, maintainable software while ment...

Yesterday

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

$82K - $123K *

Help us design and develop innovative software solutions, ensuring optimal performance and integration of systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance functionality and scalability while staying updated...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$116K - $167K *

Unlock your potential by engineering innovative cloud solutions for U.S. Government agencies. Collaborate with a dedicated team to troubleshoot complex systems and enhance operational excellence in a...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Reimagine engineering workflows by developing scalable tools and AI-driven automation systems that enhance productivity, reliability, and software quality across teams, while collaborating with engine...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Deliver high-impact solutions by enhancing and maintaining mission-critical enterprise platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance for Apple products, leveraging...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform digital banking experiences by developing secure, scalable full-stack applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions using modern JavaScript framewor...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Drive the development and execution of an AI-native Developer Experience strategy, transforming the entire Software Development Life Cycle to enhance quality and productivity across engineering teams...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$162K - $195K *

Engineer an AI-driven Developer Experience strategy to revolutionize quality assurance and streamline the SDLC, enhancing productivity and architectural integrity for thousands of engineers delivering...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$123K - $176K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Software Engineer, enhancing web applications using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver impactful solutions while mentoring junior deve...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$79K - $147K *

Optimize system integration and testing solutions for automated equipment, ensuring reliable product performance through robust design and execution of test strategies while collaborating with cross-f...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Lead the charge in planning and executing comprehensive test solutions, ensuring integration of systems and subsystems while addressing technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Collaborate with team...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $175K *

Join a team that's redefining AI-driven product development, taking ownership of innovative challenges from concept to production with an exceptional engineering team, focusing on user-centric solutio...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading test automation efforts, developing scripts, and ensuring software quality through comprehensive testing strategies in a collaborative environment...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Lead innovative automation solutions to streamline AWS deployments, enhancing efficiency and enabling zero-touch processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex engineering challen...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Transform the AWS deployment process by automating solutions and collaborating with teams to enhance efficiency. Join a dynamic group of engineers dedicated to innovation and impactful results in a fa...

4 weeks ago

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

$168K - $227K *

Empower innovation at a leading tech firm by automating AWS deployments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex engineering challenges and enhance operational efficiency while impact...

4 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Transform the future of cloud engineering by automating AWS deployments, collaborating with service teams, and solving complex challenges that impact millions of customers globally. Join a dynamic tea...

3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing innovative software solutions for a high-performance storage system. Collaborate with talented engineers to enhance reliability and scalability in a fast...

4 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential as a Lead Quality Engineer, driving quality assurance and control across diverse projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance, improve processes, and e...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $153K *

Empower innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop, maintain, and enhance software products, ensuring high-quality features and effective communication throughout the developme...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $250K *

Transform the future of AI-driven documentation by architecting autonomous workflows, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring content quality through innovative agent orchestration and evaluation...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $120K *

Support integrated technical and analytical efforts in systems engineering, ensuring comprehensive requirements management and documentation for effective test evaluations and risk assessments in a co...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Empower cross-functional teams by providing essential technical and analytical support for system testing and requirements management, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with DoD standards w...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through rigorous testing and process audits. Leverage your expertise in software development and quality engineering to drive improvements and...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$121K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in software development, leading a talented group of engineers to enhance enterprise applications. Oversee project execution, mentor talent, and foster a culture...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.