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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$136K - $184K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative cloud solutions for U.S. Intelligence agencies. Collaborate with top engineers to enhance network stability and efficiency, tackling complex challenges in a dyna...

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining software development leadership by managing globally distributed teams, driving innovation, and ensuring the delivery of secure, reliable software solutions that meet cus...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$86K - $165K *

Innovate software solutions for automated test equipment, integrating C++ and C# expertise. Collaborate in a hands-on, multidisciplinary team to enhance test workflows and ensure system verification i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Transform manufacturing excellence by ensuring quality standards meet and exceed expectations. Collaborate across teams to drive continuous improvement, resolve quality issues, and enhance processes i...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $160K *

Support quality assurance initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product standards and drive continuous improvement within a dynamic manufacturing environment. Engage dire...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $227K *

Transform the future of software development by leading the design and architecture of autonomous systems. Collaborate with top talent to solve complex challenges, ensuring reliability and performance...

2 days ago

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

$125K - $170K *

Join a team that's enhancing 3D geometric modeling software, developing key algorithms for feature creation and CAD data preparation, while collaborating globally to drive innovation in engineering ap...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Contribute to innovative software solutions that enhance business efficiency, streamline decision-making, and support strategic objectives. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and maintain im...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to design, develop, and maintain innovative software solutions across various domains, including AI, cloud computing, and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhan...

3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Pioneer innovative solutions by designing and developing scalable software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance project success while mentoring peers and optimizing engineering...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$139K - $174K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable backend solutions that enhance data management from connected devices. Collaborate with teams to transform complex requirements into efficient software, ensuring...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $165K *

Empower high-tech innovation by building robust backend solutions. Influence product development on cutting-edge SaaS platforms while collaborating with industry leaders to enhance the capabilities of...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Explore innovative data engineering solutions to modernize vulnerability management. Leverage your expertise in Python, AWS, and big data technologies to transform data processing across the enterpris...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Transform data engineering by developing scalable Python applications and optimizing big data solutions on AWS. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and drive innovation in c...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$76K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining quality assurance through innovative test automation. Collaborate across functions to enhance software reliability and performance, ensuring robust frameworks and seamles...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $174K *

Join us to design and implement secure systems for Customer Logistics, tackling complex technical challenges while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance security and reliability across Amazon's...

Today

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

$135K - $160K *

Create a cutting-edge, AI-native product interface, integrating real-time features and crafting user-friendly UI components while collaborating closely with the founder to rapidly deliver impactful so...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Lead the charge in designing and developing scalable cloud services, translating requirements into architecture, and mentoring engineers to uphold high development standards while ensuring system reli...

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's crafting the future of AI-native tools, driving the performance and interactivity of an end-to-end platform. Collaborate closely with founders to innovate and deliver cutting-edge f...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$116K - $150K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge software solutions, enhancing user experience through robust back-end systems and seamless UI. Drive projects from conception to deployment while c...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Optimize data quality by leading ETL testing and validation efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and accuracy across diverse environments and technologies, while...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create secure, scalable applications. Drive technical excellence while mentoring peers and enhancing...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage in full stack development to create innovative software solutions, collaborating with experts to enhance user experiences and drive client success through automation, security, and best practic...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.