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.
Software Engineer I to III, Digital Engineering
$70K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining our Digital Engineering team to build and maintain in-house software that connects product data across the lifecycle. Collaborate with experienced engineers in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer I to III, Digital Engineering
$75K - $165K *
Join a dynamic team to build and maintain in-house software that connects product data across the lifecycle. Contribute to impactful projects while learning from experienced engineers in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Developer Experience, Web
$130K - $192K *
Empower the Web Development community by designing innovative tooling and systems, enhancing workflows, and solving complex engineering challenges to boost productivity for teams across the organizati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Developer Experience, Web
$130K - $192K *
Advance your career by shaping the future of web development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design impactful tools and libraries that enhance developer experience and drive efficiency acr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Developer Experience, Web
$130K - $192K *
Transform the web development landscape by architecting innovative tools and systems. Collaborate across teams to solve complex challenges, mentor peers, and elevate the developer experience for impac...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Developer Experience, Web
$130K - $192K *
Drive innovation in web development by architecting tools and systems that enhance engineer productivity. Collaborate across teams to tackle complex challenges and mentor peers while shaping the futur...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Developer Experience, Web
$130K - $192K *
Champion the future of web development by building foundational tools and libraries. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance developer experience and productivity while solving impactful engineering...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
System Software Engineer - Debug Technologies
$110K - $135K *
Transform the future of system diagnostics by developing innovative OS features and tools. Collaborate across teams to enhance debugging processes and improve customer experiences, impacting every pha...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform customer experiences by deploying cutting-edge systems, providing hands-on support, and bridging the gap between field operations and R&D. Engage in live debugging, training, and feature dev...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer - Front End
$150K - $160K *
Drive innovation by developing user-friendly web applications with cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and deliver seamless experiences on both we...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Test Engineer (Hardware Automation QA)
$110K - $130K *
Build reliable testing frameworks to ensure Drover products excel in extreme environments. Design and execute comprehensive test strategies, manage data analysis, and collaborate across teams to deliv...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, AI Foundations, Amazon Leo AI Foundations
$184K - $250K *
Drive the development of AI systems by leading a team of engineers and scientists. Own the roadmap for infrastructure, ensuring reliability and security while collaborating across teams to deliver imp...
Yesterday
$62K - $111K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of test engineering by supporting the development and commissioning of test solutions, enhancing production efficiency, and driving continuous improvement in test...
1 week ago
$62K - $111K *
Drive the charge in developing and optimizing test solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and deliver comprehensive documentation and tra...
1 week ago
$69K - $125K *
Join a team that's transforming radar technology through innovative software development. Collaborate on real-time RF seeker capabilities and signal-processing pipelines, while advancing your career i...
Yesterday
Senior Test Automation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Test Automation Engineer, leading testing initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring software quality through innovative automation strategies...
2 days ago
Senior Test Automation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform software quality by leading test automation efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high standards and reliability in sof...
2 days ago
Software Test Engineer - Precision Fires
$90K - $110K *
Transform software testing processes by developing test plans, executing tests, and analyzing results. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure software quality and operational excellence in...
3 weeks ago
Software Test Engineer - Precision Fires
$92K - $110K *
Drive the development and execution of software testing strategies, ensuring quality and defect-free operation of systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze results and resolve issue...
3 weeks ago
$114K - $234K *
Elevate enterprise applications by building innovative platforms and tools that streamline critical business processes. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver impactful solutions in a fast-paced, e...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by designing and maintaining a full-stack microservices architecture in a dynamic engineering environment, supporting critical modernization efforts with cutting-edge technologie...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer II, Personalization
$143K - $194K *
Unlock your potential by designing innovative software solutions that enhance user experiences and tackle big data challenges. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality products while men...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Capacity & Efficiency
$196K - $230K *
Lead the development of innovative capacity planning solutions for cloud storage and databases, optimizing AWS costs and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and...
Yesterday
Software Development Engineer - Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP)
$210K - $250K *
Optimize mission-critical software systems by designing resilient, event-driven architectures and data processing frameworks. Collaborate on real-time monitoring and ensure system observability to enh...
1 week ago
$103K - $218K *
Drive quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive tests to ensure software reliability. Collaborate with teams to identify defects and enhance test processes, all while contributing to...
Reposted 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.