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.
Senior Software Developer, Developer Experience (DevX)
$166K - $195K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of developer infrastructure, optimizing build systems and CI pipelines to enhance developer productivity. Make a significant impact in driving innovation and effi...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Autonomous Systems
$145K - $200K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge software for autonomous systems, integrating advanced sensors and AI to enhance mission capabilities. Collaborate with experts to redefine operational scenarios i...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
The Senior Software Engineer will join a dynamic team at Arch, focusing on building an AI-driven analytics platform for HVAC contractors to promote energy-efficient technologies. This role involves en...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower the future of software deployment by optimizing over 100 applications and managing comprehensive virtual systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance compliance and streamline IT operations, e...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as you design and maintain automated test frameworks for IoT applications, ensuring quality through robust testing strategies and collaboration in an Agile environment...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Transform backend development by designing and building scalable services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through innovative integrations and workflows...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by designing and implementing scalable applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and leverage your C#, .NET Core, and AWS expertise to mentor others while driving archi...
Reposted today
$95K - $188K *
Accelerate your career by developing scalable backend services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through innovative technology and collaboration with cross-functional...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by collaborating with engineers to develop automated test solutions for high-performance mixed-signal ICs, enhancing your skills in semiconductor testing and hardware design in a dyna...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $188K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of technology and healthcare by designing and developing secure backend services for an AI-enabled platform that enhances medical waiver reviews and supports cr...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock potential by driving backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through scalable services, APIs, and integrations while collaborating with cross-func...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare technology by designing and developing secure, scalable backend services for an AI-enabled platform that enhances medical waiver reviews and support...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Transform backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, driving innovation in medical waiver reviews. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable services, ensuring compliance a...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare technology by developing secure, scalable backend services for an AI-enabled platform that enhances medical waiver reviews and integrates advanced a...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Advance your career by designing and developing scalable backend services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through innovative technology and collaboration wi...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing secure AI-enabled platforms for efficient medical waiver reviews. You'll design, build, and sustain backend services while collaborating with cross-functiona...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock your potential as you design and develop scalable backend services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through innovative technology and collaboration with divers...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock potential by leading backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through scalable services, APIs, and integrations while collaborating with c...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Elevate your career by driving backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through innovative services, APIs, and integrations while collaborating with diver...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Transform backend development by designing and building scalable services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through innovative integrations and workflows...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Drive backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through scalable services, API design, and integration with AI/ML technologies while collaborating...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock potential by leading backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through scalable services, API design, and collaboration with cross-function...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Join us to drive backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through scalable services, API design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure e...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's pioneering backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through scalable services, APIs, and data pipelines while collaborating with divers...
1 week ago
$95K - $188K *
Develop scalable backend services and APIs for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient data handling and sy...
1 week 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.