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.
$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
$121K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic software engineering team to enhance enterprise applications. Drive innovation, mentor talent, and ensure seamless delivery through Agile methodologies while...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II
$180K - $220K *
Drive the development of innovative full-stack applications for a cutting-edge identity platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges and enhance system perfo...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at a leading test facility by supporting production aircraft testing. Collaborate with teams across multiple sites, manage projects, and troubleshoot radar systems while enjoying f...
2 days ago
$70K - $130K *
Optimize production-test processes and systems, ensuring efficient execution and troubleshooting. Collaborate across teams to enhance product quality and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced e...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Deliver high-quality software solutions by leading teams, managing projects, and fostering collaboration. Drive continuous improvement through agile methodologies while ensuring alignment with busines...
Today
Software Development Engineer, AWS OpenSearch Service
$143K - $194K *
Empower cloud-native search solutions by designing and operating a large-scale distributed control plane, ensuring high availability and reliability while innovating multi-tenant infrastructure and op...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS OpenSearch Service
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of cloud-native search by designing, developing, and operating a large-scale distributed control plane focused on reliability, efficiency, and customer-driven solutions in a fast-pace...
Reposted 1 month ago
$135K - $160K *
Empower innovation by developing and scaling distributed systems, tackling performance and reliability challenges, and collaborating with a small team in an early-stage startup environment centered ar...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $125K *
Transform the future of airborne acoustic signal processing by developing innovative software solutions for advanced military aircraft systems, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across m...
Today
Software Engineer, Solutions Engineering
$131K - $169K *
Elevate the developer experience by building and enhancing APIs, documentation, and integration tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, user-friendly solutions that empower...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Oversee the development of integrated supply chain and manufacturing workflows, building systems that enhance visibility, streamline operations, and facilitate collaboration across departments, while...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform your skills as you lead critical development efforts from planning to delivery, collaborating with a national team of experts to create high-quality software solutions that meet project goal...
1 month ago
$180K - $275K *
Engineer AI-driven workflows to transform complex risk management processes. Collaborate across teams to design, build, and iterate on reliable systems that enhance productivity and deliver innovative...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, Amazon Robotics, Amazon Robotics Movement Team
$184K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of fulfillment robotics by leading a full stack development group. Drive technical vision, enhance user experiences, and deliver high-performance software solutio...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, AWS Transactional Services
$120K - $145K *
Drive the design and development of scalable control plane services, enhancing operational excellence and reliability for foundational distributed systems, while mentoring engineers and collaborating...
3 days ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer - Energy & Commodities
$156K - $210K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Software Developer, designing and maintaining systems for commodity trading and risk management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality softwar...
1 week ago
Test Automation Architect (JavaScript / Python)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of cutting-edge test automation solutions, leveraging JavaScript and Python to enhance scalability, quality, and speed in the software develop...
1 month ago
Sr Software Engineer-Automation
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in building a modern hybrid cloud platform, enhancing automation and operational efficiency. Collaborate across teams to streamline workflows and develop tools that support scalable, r...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer-Automation
$120K - $145K *
Drive the development of a modern hybrid cloud platform, enhancing automation and operational efficiency. Collaborate across teams to streamline workflows and build scalable solutions that support rel...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer-Automation
$110K - $130K *
Innovate by designing and implementing a modern hybrid cloud platform that enhances application reliability and scalability through automation, infrastructure-as-code, and streamlined workflows across...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer-Automation
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reliability across hybrid environments, enabling seamless applic...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer-Automation
$110K - $130K *
Champion the development of a cutting-edge hybrid cloud platform, enhancing automation and operational efficiency. Collaborate across teams to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and build scal...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer-Automation
$110K - $130K *
Empower teams by designing and delivering automation solutions that streamline workflows, enhance operational efficiency, and support scalable applications across hybrid cloud environments. Join us in...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation by developing scalable cloud-native solutions for the U.S. Air Force, ensuring best practices in architecture, security, and deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to opt...
Today
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.