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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$159K - $195K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing Red Hat OpenShift performance through innovative testing and analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and engage with the...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $234K *

Transform the OCI registry landscape by designing and developing innovative features for quay.io. Collaborate with teams to enhance service experiences while leveraging cutting-edge AI tools for scala...

Raleigh, NCRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Drive innovative software solutions in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver quality results. Engage with customers to refine requirements, while ensuring efficie...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$95K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading quality assurance efforts for critical healthcare systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experiences for Veterans, ensuring high-quality service delivery throug...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Transform your career by architecting scalable, multi-tenant systems that enhance global inventory management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive engineering excellence and leverage AI for data-d...

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $140K *

Transform edge compute infrastructure by building, configuring, and maintaining on-premises software systems. Collaborate in a DoD environment to support virtualization, container orchestration, and a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$114K - $191K *

Tackle innovative software challenges in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to design scalable solutions that enhance user experiences and address complex problems in p...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's advancing next-generation propulsion systems for the Navy. Collaborate with engineers and subject matter experts to create and refine technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $185K *

Architect robust end-of-line test software for K7 vehicles, ensuring quality and reliability through hands-on development of test frameworks, calibration routines, and embedded interfaces, while colla...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform quality assurance by leading test automation initiatives, developing strategies, and ensuring system resilience. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality through effective testing m...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Lead quality assurance initiatives by developing test strategies and automating end-to-end testing. Collaborate with teams to enhance system resilience and stability, ensuring high-quality products th...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

Contribute to the development of innovative AI agents and workflows for clinical trials, integrating backend LLMs with front-end applications while ensuring compliance and reliability in a fast-paced...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Innovate and drive AI agent development for clinical trial platforms, integrating LLMs through the .NET stack. Engage in hands-on engineering to deliver end-to-end AI features, enhancing patient-centr...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $180K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading feature delivery, integrating AI/ML, and driving engineering excellence. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and ensure high-quality...

Yesterday

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

$129K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software engineering by leading projects, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating across functions to deliver innovative solutions that meet business needs a...

Yesterday

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

$253K - $342K *

Drive the development and integration of RF Payload software systems, leading a diverse engineering team to enhance mission outcomes and deliver innovative solutions for satellite networking and groun...

Yesterday

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

$82K - $95K *

Join a team that's integral to integrating and testing cutting-edge Joint Simulation Environment software, ensuring high-quality performance for warfighters through effective coding, troubleshooting...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Create innovative software solutions across embedded, full stack, and autonomy domains. Collaborate with a dynamic team to rapidly prototype and transition advanced technologies into production, ensur...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$207K - $300K *

Lead the charge in shaping innovative automotive software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and deliver cutting-edge APIs and SDKs that enhance user experiences in next-ge...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$144K - $194K *

Champion developer enablement by creating technical documentation and support resources for advanced quantum computing platforms, ensuring user success through collaboration with cross-functional team...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by taking ownership of complex software challenges. Drive real-time traffic optimization through innovative AI solutions, collaborating across teams to deliver scalable and reliable s...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $220K *

Advance innovative RF filter software solutions through collaboration with engineers and physicists, enhancing design tools while delivering high-performance capabilities. Join a dynamic team to influ...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$123K - $151K *

Join a team that's redefining web application security by leading the migration to modern frameworks. Leverage your expertise in Angular and React to enhance our WAF solution while mentoring junior en...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$121K - $169K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing avionics-focused vehicle tests, ensuring robust verification and certification of lunar lander systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to automate processes a...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining space exploration by owning vehicle design products and avionics testing for lunar landers. Your expertise will drive verification and certification efforts, ensuring mis...

Today

  •   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.