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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$135K - $160K *

Tackle complex engineering challenges by developing cutting-edge algorithms and data processing systems for multimodal robot data, enhancing machine learning models and contributing to our mission of...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading a team in architecting scalable, fault-tolerant software solutions. Drive technical excellence and mentor engineers while shaping the future of our platform services wit...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $227K *

Elevate the future of conversational shopping by architecting innovative, large-scale AI-driven ad experiences that engage millions of customers, while leading cross-functional teams to pioneer indust...

2 weeks ago

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

$104K - $208K *

Advance your career by developing robust automated test solutions for server products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing quality and efficiency while leveraging cutting...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the integration and testing of advanced diagnostic systems for ZEVs, ensuring robust performance across vehicle sub-systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliabilit...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Elevate your career by driving modular enhancements in RokuOS architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new APIs and optimize system software, ensuring high-performance and re...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead quality assurance efforts to enhance cloud and legacy applications through comprehensive testing strategies, leveraging manual and automated techniques while mentoring team members and implementi...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$190K - $250K *

Advance developer productivity by creating tools and best practices, enhancing workflows and collaboration across teams to improve software delivery and empower engineers in a fast-paced environment...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$88K - $105K *

Drive innovation in software development by creating scalable applications and AI solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance national security through advanced tools and practices...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $400K *

Unlock the potential of data privacy by designing robust systems that manage sensitive information. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and operational excellence while buildi...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $116K *

Empower innovation by automating hardware testing and integration for flight systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance development workflows and ensure rapid deployment of cutting-edge te...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Engage in designing and building scalable enterprise software solutions, focusing on cloud-native applications and microservices. Collaborate across teams to deliver secure, resilient platforms that e...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$118K - $219K *

Unlock your potential as a Lead Software Engineer, driving innovation in scalable enterprise solutions. Collaborate across teams to design secure, resilient APIs and cloud-native applications that enh...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$130K - $270K *

Join a team that champions innovation by developing advanced solutions using AWS managed services. Bring your extensive experience to tackle complex challenges in a dynamic environment while enhancing...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $270K *

Drive innovative software solutions by leveraging AWS and your extensive development experience. Collaborate on complex projects while ensuring security and quality standards are met within a supporti...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the desktop experience by providing expert IT support and engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery, maintain security, and optimize endpoint m...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $227K *

Transform customer support through innovative software solutions. Lead the design, development, and maintenance of tools that enhance user experience and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional...

3 weeks ago

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

$101K - $169K *

Advance your career by developing and supporting full-stack applications in a dynamic team, focusing on cloud-based and on-premises solutions, while thriving in a collaborative environment with a comm...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$188K - $242K *

Drive innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, leading the development of core financial systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance payroll and tax solutions, ensuring accuracy and compliance...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on validating and optimizing Azure developer desktops. You'll design automated tests, ensure security compliance, and enhance performance metrics...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $116K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Software Developer, enhancing EDI transaction processing and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance and reliability in a dyn...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Champion the enhancement and optimization of EDI processes, ensuring reliable transaction management and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues while dr...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Lead the charge in optimizing EDI processes within a dynamic remote team. Leverage your expertise in Edifecs and AWS to enhance transaction workflows, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-f...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Join a team that's redefining EDI solutions by enhancing the Edifecs platform. Leverage your expertise in AWS and EDI to optimize transaction processing, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cros...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Empower your career by leveraging your expertise in EDI and AWS to enhance and optimize the Edifecs platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless transaction processing and driv...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information 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.