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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$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

$180K - $247K *

Join us to architect a unified test data framework, driving automation and integration for robotic systems. Lead the design of dashboards and data schemas, empowering teams with actionable insights an...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Engage partners by driving technical enablement and solution design. Collaborate across teams to empower resellers and integrators, ensuring successful adoption and growth of innovative solutions thro...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $161K *

Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional projects to enhance sortation and distribution solutions. Engage with teams and stakeholders to drive timely implementations and optimize facility...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Drive excellence in testing by leading complex verification activities, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure product readiness, and resolving technical challenges to meet engineering and custome...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$100K - $125K *

Advance your career as a Senior QA Engineer, driving quality in complex digital products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design automated tests, integrate quality checks, and leverage AI t...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $165K *

Join a team that's leading a major platform modernization, migrating legacy web apps to a modern stack. Collaborate across full stack components, leverage AI tools, and elevate code quality while ment...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$68K - $111K *

Accelerate progress at our dynamic team as an Intermediate Full-Stack Developer. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to create impactful software solutions while enhancing your skills and leadin...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

6 days ago

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

$120K - $300K *

Shape the future as a System Validation Engineer, bridging hardware and software to enhance user experience. Drive performance metrics, automate testing, and collaborate across teams to ensure system...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$182K - $215K *

Engage in transformative systems modernization, leveraging your software expertise to bridge legacy technologies with innovative solutions, optimizing core architectures in a dynamic Agile environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$182K - $215K *

Elevate your career by leading complex software modernization projects. Utilize your expertise to bridge legacy systems with modern frameworks, ensuring resilience and operational performance in an Ag...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of integrated systems by executing software tests, enhancing lab operations, and driving effective troubleshooting strategies to ensure seamless functionality within distributed envir...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$121K - $142K *

Elevate automation in software engineering by building AI-driven tools and systems. Collaborate with a focused team to enhance reliability and speed in package and image management, shaping the future...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to the development of a robust Kubernetes control plane, enhancing multi-cloud infrastructure and driving scalable architecture for enterprise-grade cloud services...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing software quality through automated testing, collaborating across teams to streamline processes and ensure reliable releases in a cloud-based CI/CD environment...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $150K *

Collaborate with engineers to develop and test lunar rover technologies, ensuring successful sub-assembly and technology test campaigns while advancing production processes and equipment design...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.