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.
Sr. Developer Enablement Engineer - 1043
$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
Senior Software Engineer, Adaptive
$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...
1 month ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$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
Software Development Engineer (GUI)
$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
Systems Engineer, MK1 Vehicle Definition and Test
$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
Systems Engineer, MK1 Vehicle Definition and Test
$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
Systems Engineer, MK1 Vehicle Definition and Test
$110K - $169K *
Oversee the design and testing of avionics systems for lunar landers, ensuring functional verification and certification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, develop automa...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer, New Security Service
$193K - $261K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of an innovative security management product utilizing AI. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and guide developers to deliver advanced, scal...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer II, AWS IAM AuthRuntimeClient
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate and enhance AWS's authentication platform, tackling complex challenges at scale. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality solutions that elevate customer experi...
2 days ago
QA/Test Automation Engineer (Senior)
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer quality assurance by validating complex workflows and integrations. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop test cases, execute testing strategies, and ensure software quality for critical g...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a software engineer, driving innovative web applications for Off-Site Manufacturing. Collaborate with project managers, implement effective solutions, and take ownership of pr...
Reposted 6 days ago
$95K - $105K *
Manage and enhance testing strategies, ensuring effective quality assurance across diverse projects. Collaborate closely with team members to design and implement comprehensive testing plans, addressi...
Reposted 2 days ago
Operations Support Engineer (SE) - Senior Tech Lead
$110K - $130K *
Optimize mission success by providing expert technical support and leadership across SOCOM operations. Collaborate with teams to integrate systems, enforce best practices, and mitigate risks while sta...
Today
Senior Software Engineer - Open Source (RD217)
$148K - $201K *
Empower the development of our open source software solutions while collaborating with engineers and community contributors. Leverage your cloud native expertise to enhance mission outcomes through in...
Reposted 1 week ago
$146K - $235K *
Innovate solutions as a Full Stack Software Engineer, driving the full software development lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create high-performance applications and contribute to...
Reposted today
$140K - $206K *
Develop scalable software solutions by leveraging modern technologies, collaborating across teams, and ensuring quality through best practices. Take ownership of the entire software development lifecy...
Reposted today
$111K - $162K *
Transform your career with a dynamic engineering role focused on scalable, resilient compute infrastructure. Collaborate on innovative solutions and enhance operational performance while embracing clo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic development team focused on mission analytics. Drive innovation and enhance software solutions while collaborating closely with peers to ensure optimal performanc...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mission analytics through innovative software solutions. Leverage your extensive experience to drive development and support efforts, ensuring high-quality ou...
Today
$108K - $130K *
Drive mission-critical web service development for an Identity, Credential, and Access Management solution, focusing on Zero Trust initiatives. Collaborate on designing, integrating, and maintaining e...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to the design and development of a critical back-end system, leveraging Java and NiFi skills to enhance analytic capabilities and support enterprise outcomes across multiple parties...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of our backend systems by designing and developing robust solutions using Java and NiFi. Collaborate across teams to enhance analytic capabilities and ensure compliant data storage an...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Empower innovation by designing and deploying Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions in a high-performance computing environment, leveraging advanced technologies to deliver scalable, production-rea...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower innovation by designing and deploying Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions in a high-performance computing environment, leveraging advanced technologies to deliver scalable, production-rea...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion the development and enhancement of complex software systems, leading teams to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring adherence to design requirements and performance standards...
2 weeks 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.