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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$388K - $500K+*

Empower your engineering expertise to enhance CI/CD pipelines and optimize testing infrastructure, ensuring a seamless Netflix experience across smart TVs and devices while collaborating with cross-fu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $265K *

Join a team that's redefining software testing and quality assurance for critical systems. Lead strategic initiatives, establish testing protocols, and ensure compliance across a global enterprise inf...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Transform your career by designing and developing innovative software solutions. Engage in the full development cycle, from concept to delivery, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring robust, e...

Yesterday

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

$110K - $130K *

Unlock innovation in aerospace by leading advanced test engineering initiatives. Drive quality and reliability through sophisticated test plans and automated systems, ensuring our products meet the hi...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $128K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing automated test scripts within an Agile team, ensuring high-quality software delivery for critical systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to validate integr...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $190K *

Innovate your career by leading cross-functional teams to develop scalable applications. Drive technical excellence through mentorship, code optimization, and strategic direction while leveraging cutt...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Optimize application experiences by collaborating with cross-functional teams, implementing innovative user interfaces, and architecting scalable systems while mentoring peers and driving technical in...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Empower your career by designing and enhancing scalable applications using Node.js and Angular. Collaborate with global teams to deliver secure, maintainable solutions that drive business success and...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $200K *

Shape the future of software development by solving complex problems, designing robust applications, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance product features while mainta...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation as a Software Systems Engineer, providing specialized expertise in systems software analysis, design, and support. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive the automation of drug-development workflows by designing and building electromechanical systems. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to enhance laboratory processes, ensuring reliability...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $190K *

Join a team that's pioneering automation solutions for complex SATCOM systems. You'll develop frameworks, validate performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $190K *

Lead the charge in developing automation frameworks for a global SATCOM network, ensuring robust system performance and mission success through collaboration with cross-functional teams in a critical...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $190K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of satellite communications by developing automation frameworks for a global SATCOM network. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust system perfo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $190K *

Innovate with us as a Test Automation Engineer, developing automation frameworks for global SATCOM networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust system performance and mission suc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$196K - $243K *

Lead the charge in optimizing our Concurrency system, enhancing performance and usability for a robust game engine. Collaborate across teams to implement innovative solutions that elevate player exper...

3 days ago

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

$225K - $265K *

Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining software engineering by architecting innovative solutions for complex challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to drive digital transformation and enhance pa...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$193K - $261K *

Lead the development of innovative AI solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement high-quality software that enhances user experiences and drives customer engagement i...

3 weeks ago

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

$166K - $220K *

Join us to build cutting-edge ML infrastructure for autonomous perception systems, enhancing training and data platforms across defense technology. Collaborate with engineering teams to innovate and o...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by enhancing automated testing frameworks for cloud-based solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality software for government clients, ensuring compliance and p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through innovative test automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and execute automated testing solutions that...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Transform the API testing landscape by developing automated tests that ensure seamless migration and functionality of APIs, achieving high validation success rates while maintaining rigorous quality s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$86K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing city technology through innovative automation solutions. As a Senior Automation Engineer, you'll design, implement, and support systems that improve reliability, security...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Unlock your potential by leveraging 7+ years of software engineering expertise in complex programs. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive innovative solutions and enhance project outcomes in a secu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.